Auburn University to build new Gulf Coast Engineering Research Station in Orange Beach

Auburn University’s Board of Trustees has approved the construction of a new Gulf Coast Engineering Research Station in Orange Beach.

The two-story, 21,000-square-foot facility will provide direct access to the Gulf of Mexico and consist of research laboratories, offices, large meeting spaces and outdoor gathering spaces.

“The opportunity for collaboration with our friends and partners in the city of Orange Beach, the University of South Alabama and other regional institutions and industries is exciting, and this gives us a home base to address some of the most pressing coastal issues related to infrastructure resiliency and environmental protection, restoration, sustainability and conservation.”

Mario Eden, dean of Auburn’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering

Auburn Station will focus on research and conservation

The Gulf Station will focus on three broad coastal research areas: 

• Water quality and quantity protection and restoration
• Protection, restoration and conservation of habitat and living resources
• Enhancing coastal community sustainability and resilience

According to an Auburn news release, the station will also provide residents and visitors a better understanding and appreciation of the natural, historical, cultural and environmental resources of the region through community outreach and continuing education opportunities.

The $14 million project is financed by grant funds from the RESTORE Council and the State of Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. 

The city of Orange Beach provided the land for the project.

The new station is located at 4775 Walker Ave, Orange Beach.

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