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Orange Beach votes to declare three Hurricane Sally–damaged vessels abandoned and authorize removal
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Summary
After a staff presentation, the council adopted a resolution declaring three derelict vessels abandoned and authorized their disposal under a grant-funded Operation Clean Sweep project coordinated with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and NOAA.
Hayden Brown, waterways and shoreline program coordinator, presented aerial photos and location details for three vessels that remain after Hurricane Sally and pose navigation and safety hazards.
"So the vessels for removal, it's a grant funded project, Operation Clean Sweep, Orange Beach, Alabama waterways and shoreline enhancement, and a funding partner, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, in coordination with, the NOAA Marine Debris Program," Brown said during the public hearing.
Brown described the three targets: a submerged steel barge about 20 feet long near a Washington Avenue community pier; a pontoon near Bayou Point with one pontoon waterlogged; and a partially removed vessel in Terre Cove Pond behind a private residence. He said the barges and pontoons create hazards at high tide and for boaters pulling up to community piers.
After Brown’s presentation and no public opposition during the hearing, the council moved to adopt the resolution declaring the vessels abandoned and authorizing disposal as part of the grant project. The motion carried by voice vote.
What this means: The removal is grant-funded and coordinated with federal partners; staff will proceed with contractor procurement and disposal per the project's terms and the council's authorization.