Four Mississippi projects on Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council agenda

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) said recently that the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council has released its draft Initial Funded Priorities List (draft FPL), which will determine how funds provided by Transocean Deepwater, Inc., will be used.

“This draft FPL focuses on key watersheds and estuaries across the Gulf, using foundational restoration techniques tailored to the needs of specific areas,” Council Executive Director Justin Ehrenwerth said. “We’re fortunate to have a diverse and dedicated group of stakeholders who have helped to get us to this point. Once again, we ask for your feedback and assistance in ensuring that we do the right thing for the Gulf.”

Of the nearly $140 million in restoration activities listed, the draft FPL includes four projects in Mississippi: land conservation, education and outreach on the benefits of land conservation, the Mississippi Sound Estuarine Program and efforts to enhance beneficial opportunities for the use of dredge sediments.

“Today’s announcement means more than $21 million is directly being invested in Mississippi’s continued efforts to restore our Gulf Coast,” MDEQ Executive Director Gary Rikard said. “An additional $11 million through Gulf-wide investments will touch Mississippi in some shape or form. We believe all of these investments further our principle of making Mississippi whole, and represent priorities as established by the broader Mississippi stakeholder community.”

EPA Testimony Statements -- http://www.epa.gov/ocir/hearings/testimony/113_2013_2014/2013_2.htm