FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 10, 2015
CONSTRUCTION OF PERDIDO RIVER BOAT RAMP IN ESCAMBIA COUNTY BEGINS
~This is the final project in Phase I of NRDA early restoration projects~
PENSACOLA – Today,
Florida Department of Environmental Protection representatives and local
Escambia County elected officials attended the groundbreaking for the Perdido
River Boat Ramp. The new boat ramp is the final project to be completed for
Phase I of the state of Florida’s Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) early
restoration projects.
All Phase I projects are located in Escambia County and include boat ramp restorations at Galvez Landing and Navy Point, the brand new
Mahogany Mill Boat Ramp and Park, and an 8.1 mile dune restoration project on
Pensacola Beach.
“The department is excited to wrap up Phase I of the NRDA
projects,” said DEP Secretary Jon Steverson. “We look forward to continuing to
work with local communities on the other phases of early restoration projects
to ensure that damaged resources are restored and recreational opportunities
are enhanced.”
In April 2011, BP agreed to provide $1 billion to the
Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees for early restoration projects.
Each trustee, including the state of Florida, is able to access $100 million
for early restoration projects that meet the criteria described in the framework agreement. Florida’s $100 million is allocated to Phases I, II, and
III of early restoration, but there are also federal dollars available.
“We are happy to be breaking ground on the Perdido River
Boat Ramp project and celebrating the finalization of the first phase of the
Natural Resource Damage Assessment early restoration funds for Escambia
County,” said Escambia County Commissioner Wilson Robertson. “This will be one
of the finest boat ramps to access Perdido River and will be a huge benefit to
District 1 and Escambia County.”
The Perdido Key boat ramp was designed by Pensacola-based Hatch
Mott MacDonald and will cost approximately $1.2 million. Roads,
Inc. of Northwest Florida, a Cantonment-based company, will construct the
boat ramp. The boat ramp is expected to be completed by fall of 2015 and will be located on the north side of Old Highway 90 on the Perdido River.
For more information on the NRDA projects, click here.
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