The Natural Resources Damage Assessment Florida Trustee Implementation Group has released its Draft Restoration Plan I for public comment through Friday, Oct. 26.
The Draft Restoration Plan I proposes a total of 24 projects for funding at an estimated cost of $62 million.
If approved by the Florida TIG, the Pensacola Bay and Perdido Bay watersheds are set to receive approximately $15.225 million in funding for 10 projects in four restoration types: Habitat Projects on Federally Managed Lands, Nutrient Reduction, Water Quality, and Provide and Enhance Recreational Opportunities.
These projects will help restore and benefit wetlands, coastal, and nearshore habitats on federally managed lands; improve water quality and hydrology by reducing sources of pollution and restoring more natural flows to increase the overall health and productivity of these ecosystems; and enhance the public’s access to the surrounding natural resources and increase recreational opportunities.
A public webinar will be held from 1:30-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 10 to provide the public an opportunity to comment on the plan. Registration for the webinar can be found here.
Visit www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov to view the Draft Restoration Plan I, additional details of the proposed early restoration projects, and ways to submit public comment. Public comments will be accepted until Friday, Oct. 26, 2018. More information on the Natural Resource Damage Assessment process and projects being submitted can be found at dep.state.fl.us/deepwaterhorizon.
