The Deepwater Horizon Regionwide Trustee Implementation Group, which includes trustee representatives from four federal agencies and the five Gulf Coast states, is seeking public input on the first post-settlement draft restoration plan.
The regional approach exemplifies collaboration and coordination among the trustees by restoring living coastal and marine resources that migrate and live in wide geographic ranges, as well as linking projects across jurisdictions.
The plan proposes $99.6 million for 11 restoration projects across all five states bordering the Gulf of Mexico, and specific locations in Mexico and on the Atlantic coast of Florida. Comments will be accepted through May 6. The trustees are hosting two public webinars with open houses for questions and answers on April 15.
The draft restoration plan evaluates projects that would help restore living coastal and marine resources injured by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill through a portfolio of 11 projects:
- Four projects ($18.6 million) to help restore sea turtles.
- Three projects ($7.2 million) to help restore marine mammals.
- One project ($35.8 million) to help restore and increase the resilience of oyster reefs.
- Two projects ($31 million) to help restore birds.
- One project ($7 million) to help restore both sea turtles and birds.
The public is encouraged to review and comment on the draft plan through May 6 by submitting comments online, by mail or during the virtual public meetings.
Information on how to submit your comments are at the latest Regionwide Restoration Area update.
During the April 15 virtual meetings, trustees will present the draft plan and take public comments. Register and learn more about the webinars and interactive open houses.
The draft plan and more information about projects, as well as fact sheets, are posted on the Gulf Spill Restoration website.
(Courtesy of Alabama NewsCenter)
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