The Bayou La Batre City Docks Redevelopment Project is our opportunity for revitalizing the City Docks. The goal is to meet current and future economic, environmental, and recreational needs by planning sustainable retail and commercial developments and recreational opportunities that support eco-tourism, fishing industries, and aquaculture.

This is the first of three phases in a multi-year City Docks redevelopment effort. Phase 1, development of a master plan, begins in Fall of 2020 and is anticipated to be completed in the Summer of 2021. Phase 2, engineering design, and Phase 3, construction, will begin as each successive phase is completed.

To redevelop the City Docks, we must first envision what can be. This is an opportunity to plan for a public space that showcases our heritage as the Seafood Capital of Alabama and that can be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. We can achieve this by understanding the City Docks’ challenges and opportunities and then planning for sustainable assets. These assets could include retail and commercial development such as bait shops, boating rentals, boat-to-table seafood markets and dining, and eco-tourism experiences that support our economy. Your input will help the planning process as together we determine the best use of this public space.

Amenities could include rebuilding the bulkhead, providing fishing and docking piers for locals and tourists, building facilities for dry boat storage, and multi-vehicle parking. Some of the items mentioned include development of a warehouse, an area for local boaters to buy gas on the water, restrooms, boardwalks, a gazebo, and various venues for festivals. The wants and needs of the public will help determine the planning process.

Opportunities for learning about and being engaged in the project include the following:

1. Visit www.BayouLaBatreCityDocks.com to stay informed and learn about opportunities to voice your opinions. Be sure to sign up for project updates so you can post project-related questions or comments. The project email address is citydocks@publicinput.com.

2. View a project information board located at the City Docks. The board will be updated regularly throughout the project.

3. Attend Town Council Meetings. Meeting reminders will be posted on the project website.

Yes! The City Docks Redevelopment Project is part of an area-wide environmental sustainability and economic revitalization effort underway at Lightning Point. The Project Team is working to ensure the City Docks project compliments the Lightning Point restoration efforts.

This project was paid for (in part) with federal funding from the Department of the Treasury under the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 (RESTORE ACT). The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of the Treasury.

The City Docks Redevelopment Project milestones and anticipated completion dates are as follows:

Compilation of Data and Analysis (Summer 2020)

Economic Analysis (Fall/Winter 2020)

Feasibility Study (Winter/Early Spring 2020-2021)

Masterplan Development (Spring 2021)

Approval Process for Phase 2 Engineering and Design (Spring 2021-Spring 2022)

Engineering and Design (Spring 2022-Spring 2023)

Construction (Summer/Fall 2023, TBD)