FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 7, 2014
CONTACT: Governor's Press Office, 850-717-9282, media@eog.myflorida.com
GOV. SCOTT: FLORIDA GULF COAST RESTORATION
MOVING FORWARD
~Plan includes 30 projects in Florida totaling
more than $100 million~
TALLAHASSEE – Today,
Governor Rick Scott announced the funding of the third and largest set of early
restoration projects, as approved by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill
Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees. Nearly $88 million
represents 28 projects, which will take place throughout many communities along
the Panhandle. Additionally, two U.S. Department of the Interior projects will
take place at Gulf Islands National Seashore in Escambia County and total
approximately $15 million.
Governor
Scott said, “Today’s announcement of more than $100 million in funding is great
news for families in the Panhandle. We must protect our state’s natural
treasures so future generations of Floridians will be able to enjoy our state’s
great natural treasures.”
Across
the five Gulf States, $627 million will be allocated to implement 44 projects
that will continue restoration of the natural resources and associated lost
recreational services, which were affected by the spill. This third phase of
early restoration includes many proposals suggested by Florida citizens, such
as oyster and scallop restoration, seagrass restoration, artificial reefs,
living shorelines, recreational beach restoration and state park improvements.
Public comment was essential to the development of the final plan and projects.
On
April 20, 2011, BP agreed to provide $1 billion in early restoration funds to
the Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees for early restoration projects.
The Department of Environmental Protection and the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission have trustee representatives for the state of Florida.
With the third phase of early restoration, Florida’s portion, $100 million,
will be completely funded; however, state officials will continue to
participate in developing projects for the federal agencies to propose for
implementation in Florida.
Senate President Don Gaetz said, “My hope – and that of all Northwest
Floridians—is that these projects selected by local leaders will produce a true
return-on-investment and be managed with careful stewardship.”
Representative
Clay Ingram said, "I am excited that six projects have been approved
for Escambia County, and I applaud Governor Scott and FDEP Secretary Vinyard
for their continued work to restore Florida's Gulf Coast, which was so badly
damaged as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill."
“I am proud of the
work that is being done to restore Florida’s Gulf Coast,” said DEP Secretary
Herschel T. Vinyard Jr. “We will continue to work with the local communities on
implementing these projects and look forward to future restoration.”
“I
have been impressed with the coordination of both DEP and FWC on creating a
suite of projects that will positively impact the Panhandle,” said Escambia
County Commissioner and President of the Florida Association of Counties Grover
Robinson. “One of the boat ramps in the first phase of early restoration
projects, Mahogany Mill, took an adverse legacy and turned it into an
environmental asset for our county. I look forward to many more significant
improvements for our Gulf Coast communities.”
Santa
Rosa County Commissioner Lane Lynchard said, “The Santa Rosa projects approved
today demonstrate an additional step forward in our long-term recovery from the
oil spill. These projects, as well as others to come, will have a lasting,
positive impact on our environment."
Walton
County Commissioner Sara Comander said, “I am excited the Trustees have
approved the Walton County projects as well as other regional projects benefiting our county, which will allow visitors and residents to make the
most of our beautiful natural resources.”
“We are
very pleased the third set of early restoration projects have been approved,”
said FWC Executive Director Nick Wiley. “These projects will enhance
important fisheries and help Florida retain its prominence as the Fishing
Capital of the World.”
Early restoration
represents an initial step in recovery. In the first two phases of early
restoration, the state of Florida proposed a dune restoration project, four
boat ramp enhancements in Escambia County and two coastal conservation projects
that are taking place across many Panhandle counties. There has already been
much accomplished by these projects and it is expected that the third phase
will bring further successful restoration to the Gulf Coast communities.
Assessment of injuries to our Gulf’s natural resources is still ongoing and
ultimately, the responsible parties are obligated to compensate the public for
the full scope of natural resource injuries caused by the spill.
For
more information on the Natural Resource Damage Assessment process, specific
project information and to review the projects that have already been
implemented visit www.deepwaterhorizonflorida.com.
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