By Alabama Public Radio
Fort Morgan, AL – The U-S Fish and Wildlife Service has finally issued building permits for 17 houses in Alabama beach mouse habitat along the Fort Morgan peninsula. Some of the permits had been withheld for more than two years because of lawsuits from conservation groups who claim the agency hasn't done enough to protect the endangered species. Officials with the Sierra Club filed four lawsuits against Fish and Wildlife concerning the beach mouse. Government officials say between 25 and 40 more permit applications will soon be advertised in the Federal Register on their way to possible approval. The permits absolve property owners from liability if they harm the endangered species or its habitat as long as strict guidelines are followed during construction.