$100M proposed for restoration

The Deepwater Horizon Regionwide Trustee Implementation Group, which includes trustee representatives from four federal agencies and the states of Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, Florida and Texas, is seeking public input on their first post-settlement draft restoration plan. The regional approach exemplifies collaboration/coordination among the trustees by restoring living coastal and marine resources that migrate and live in wide geographic ranges, and linking projects across regional jurisdictions. The plan proposes $99.6M for 11 restoration projects across the five states along the Gulf of Mexico, specific locations in Mexico, and the Atlantic coast of Florida. The trustees are holding two virtual public-webinar meetings that will be open for questions and answers on April 15. Comments will be accepted through May 6. The draft restoration plan evaluates restoration projects and marine resources injured by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. There are four projects ($18.6M) to help restore sea turtles; three projects ($7.2M) to help restore marine mammals; one project ($35.8M) to help increase the resilience of and restore oyster reefs; two projects ($31M) to help restore birds. [Additionally, one project ($7M) to help restore both sea turtles and birds.] (Source: NOAA 03/22/21) Nearly $100 Million Proposed to Restore Gulf-wide Resources | NOAA Gulf Spill Restoration