GULF SHORES, Ala. - White-Spunner Construction, Inc. has received an award from Partners for Environmental Progress for its work on the Saunders Yachtworks Dry Dock Basin, located in Gulf Shores.

The construction team was comprised of White-Spunner Construction, Inc., Clark, Geer & Latham Engineering, Saunders Yachtworks and the City of Gulf Shores.

PEP is a non-profit organization, comprised of a membership of more than 180 area businesses, that promotes economic sustainable development and environmental stewardship. This award recognizes WSC's positive impact on the Alabama Gulf Coast's triple bottom line, economically, environmentally and socially) through its involvement on this project.

WSC was one of only six companies to receive an award at the Eighth Annual PEP Environmental Stewardship Awards on April 17 Five Rivers Delta Center in Spanish Fort.

The Saunders Yachtworks Dry Dock Basin is a premier Boatyard for the Gulf Coast. It is a $10 million public-private partnership, funded partially through an Economic Development Authority Grant to put Americans back to work.

Constructed by White-Spunner Construction, the facility, located on a 14-acre track on the Inter-Coastal Waterway and will feature repair and refit projects for marine vessels up to 130 feet in length or 165 tons. One of the primary environmental contributions of the project is the Water Recycling and Effluent System for cleaning the bottom of boats.

The new system not only stops pollutants from entering coastal waters but also aids in recycling the water and decreasing water usage. The facility's additional contributions to the environment include restoration of a neglected ditch that was causing sediment entry into the coastal waters; installation of rip rap along the ICW to aid in erosion control; implementation of an oil and hydraulic recycling station; incorporation of a metals recycling dumpster; and construction of enclosed paint building designed to trap overspray and prevent sand deposits from entering the environment.

“We're honored PEP is recognizing our commitment to the environmental and economic health of the Gulf Coast,” White-Spunner CEO John White-Spunner said. “Saunders Yachtworks, Clark, Geer & Latham Engineering, and the City of Gulf Shores were equally committed to having a positive, lasting impact on our area through the project. This award underscores WSC's ongoing mission to be a leader in environmental stewardship throughout the Southeast.”

“These award-winning companies exemplify PEP’s mission to promote sustainable economic growth while conserving, protecting and restoring the natural resources that make our region a unique and desirable place to live and do business,” Jennifer Denson, Executive Director of PEP said.