State expenditure plan #3:expansion of the orange beach wildlife rehabilitation and education program -- the city of orange beach will expand the capacity and capabilities of the current wildlife…

State expenditure plan #3:expansion of the orange beach wildlife rehabilitation and education program -- the city of orange beach will expand the capacity and capabilities of the current wildlife rehabilitation program under a subaward from the alabama department of conservation and natural resources to improve the ability to care for increased species and total number of birds and mammals without having to turn away or transfer sick or injured animals to other regions. The current facility is regulated and permitted by the state of alabama department of conservation and natural resources and the US fish and wildlife service and operations follow state and federal regulations as well as the minimum standards for wildlife rehabilitation. The city will use restore funding to build out 2,368 square feet of building interior of a structure set aside in a city owned complex for the new wildlife center. The build out will resemble a veterinarian's facility complete with a hematology analyzer for disease detection/diagnosis, a lobby area, exam rooms, a variety of kennel rooms and outdoor enclosures to accommodate different species and to facilitate quarantining of animals. Having this type of facility will enable them to care for more animals and for more species. Additionally, the intention is to erect outdoor enclosures for birds and mammals, including multi-use enclosures and flight enclosures. This will also allow them to care for a larger number of birds and mammals, as well as more species. Once the complex is fully constructed and the programs are settled into the spaces, the intention is to open the wildlife center initially for appointment only visits by school/community groups but expand to open public access for limited hours a few times a week. The project meets gulf coast ecosystem restoration council's comprehensive (gcerc) plan goal for replenishing and protecting living coastal and marine resources by expanding the region's capability to rescue and rehabilitate injured wildlife and conduct education and outreach to promote human behavior that minimizes detrimental impact to wildlife and their habitat.