UPDATE ON THE ORANGE BEACH PERDIDO PASS BRIDGE LIGHTING PROJECT:

After several years of effort to create a lighting design that would be acceptable to all parties, we have reached an impasse. Our original design, as illustrated on our website, was reduced to an unacceptable point by the parameters placed on us by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The restrictions left us with a lighting plan vastly different from the design characteristics we proposed, and the Orange Beach community expected. Therefore, we have placed the Project “On Hold.”

The Orange Beach Perdido Pass Bridge Lighting Project has received overwhelming support from the community according to several quantitative assessments, including an independent survey. We are disheartened to announce the Project is “On Hold” in the face of such positive community support.

In contrast, the Pensacola Bay Bridge Lighting project has been implemented and it is a spectacular addition to the Pensacola Bay area. The Perdido Pass Bridge is adjacent to the Gulf Coast; therefore, our project received more scrutiny and restrictions, primarily due to concerns for the Perdido Key Beach Mouse. Our lighting plan design included turtle-friendly safeguards from the beginning.

The Project Team appreciates the support and donations we have received. Fundraising was curtailed when design constraints began to develop due to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service restrictions. The funds we currently have will be held in the Regions account, as it is our intention to restart the project when, and if, the prevailing regulatory agency scales back on Perdido Key Beach Mouse restrictions in this area. If the project is ultimately terminated, the funds will be distributed to a charitable 501(c)(3) organization in accordance with the Orange Beach Perdido Pass Lighting Project Bylaws and the IRS rules for 501(c)(3) corporations. The Project Team regrets having to make this very difficult decision at this time, but we are cautiously optimistic the permitting process will improve in the future.

Thank you for your support,

Board of Directors

Orange Beach Perdido Pass Lighting Project