The Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council is seeking project suggestions aimed at coastal recovery and economic development.

The council announced Thursday that it is accepting proposals for funding through the RESTORE Act’s Direct Component and Spill Impact Component programs. The deadline to submit projects is October 1, 2026.

The RESTORE Act was created following the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill and directs funding toward restoring and protecting the Gulf Coast’s natural resources and supporting communities affected by the spill. The Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council was established to help prioritize and approve projects funded through the program.

The council has funded 46 projects totaling more than $435 million to date.

Projects submitted for consideration must address at least one eligible priority, including restoring natural resources and coastal wetlands, protecting fish and wildlife, supporting workforce development and job creation, improving coastal state parks and strengthening flood protection.

Other eligible projects include infrastructure that supports economic or ecological resources, including ports, as well as initiatives promoting Gulf Coast tourism, recreational fishing and seafood consumption. Planning assistance also qualifies.

The 10-member council includes Governor Kay Ivey, the director of the Alabama Port Authority, county officials from Mobile and Baldwin counties and the mayors of six coastal municipalities.

Project suggestions must be submitted through the council’s online project submission portal by October 1. Officials said projects submitted before August 1 should be resubmitted with updated information, including current cost estimates.