FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2013
CONTACT:
Mick Bullock: mick.bullock@governor.ms.gov (601-576-2811)
Nicole Roberts: nicole.roberts@governor.ms.gov (601-576-2802)
www.governorbryant.com
Robbie Wilbur, MDEQ: robbie_wilbur@deq.state.ms.us (601-961-5277)
Gov. Bryant Announces $69 Million in Gulf Restoration Projects
JACKSON - Gov. Phil Bryant today announced $69 million in early restoration
projects for the Mississippi Gulf Coast following the Deepwater Horizon oil
spill.
The projects are part of early restoration activities identified as "Phase
III" of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) and bring
Mississippi's early restoration total to $82.6 million.
"From day one after the spill, we have been dedicated to making Mississippi
whole," Governor Bryant said. "These four projects, which extend across the
entirety of our Gulf Coast counties, are an important step in that journey.
Each addresses a critical part of restoration of the natural resource and
recreational losses caused by the spill. In whole, they will help to
restore and enhance a wide array of habitat, from oyster and fish to
marshes and the public's opportunities to enjoy and better understand the
intricate Gulf Coast environment."
On April 20, 2011, BP agreed to provide up to $1 billion to fund early
restoration projects in the Gulf of Mexico including the states of
Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana and Texas to begin addressing
injuries to natural resources caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
Mississippi's project were proposed as a result a public comment process on
the Gulf Coast and were negotiated with BP and Mississippi's federal and
state partners. In the coming months these projects will go through another
phase of public review and comment before work begins. Further public
review and comment will take place before work on the projects begins.
Trudy Fisher, Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of
Environmental Quality, said. "I am excited that we have achieved funding
and look forward to providing the public with more detailed information in
the months to come."
According to Fisher, the four projects announced today will accomplish
meaningful work in all three Gulf Coast counties. "These projects
represent a diverse plan of actions. In Hancock County, in partnership
with NOAA, we will construct a living shoreline to support habitat needs of
a range of species. Environmental stewardship will be enhanced through
construction of ecological and educational exhibits at the Infinity Center.
Both Harrison and Jackson counties will see enhancement of recreational
opportunities through construction of facilities and exhibits."
The four projects approved for NRDA funding are further described below:
• Hancock County Marsh Living Shoreline (Hancock County,
Mississippi): The project would provide for construction of up to six
miles of living shoreline. Benefits would include reduction of
erosion, re-establishment of oyster habitat, and enhanced fisheries
resources and marsh habitat. Approximately 46 acres of marsh would be
constructed to protect and enhance the existing shoreline near Heron
Bay. In addition, 46 acres of sub-tidal oyster reef would be created
in Heron Bay to protect the shallow bay and increase oyster
production in the area. The estimated cost of this project is
approximately $50 million of which NOAA is funding a portion.
• Restoration Initiatives at the INFINITY Science Center
(Hancock County, Mississippi): INFINITY is a state-of-the-art
interactive science research, education, and interpretive center
located in Hancock County. Early restoration funds would be used to
develop interactive exhibits at the INFINITY Science Center. These
enhancements would replace lost recreational opportunities through
enhanced visitors' access to coastal natural resources. The estimated
cost of this project is approximately $10.4 million.
• Popp's Ferry Causeway Park (Harrison County, Mississippi):
The project would provide for construction of an interpretive center,
trails, boardwalks, and other recreational enhancements. This project
would replace lost recreational opportunities by enhancing existing
amenities allowing visitors to fish, crab and observe nature. The
estimated cost of this project is approximately $4.7 million.
• Pascagoula Beachfront Promenade (Jackson County,
Mississippi): Early restoration funds for this project would be used
to help complete a two-mile, 10-foot wide lighted concrete pathway
complete with amenities. The purpose would be to restore the loss of
recreational opportunities by enhancing access to the Mississippi
Sound and its natural resources. The estimated cost of this project
is approximately $3.8 million.
Additional information is available at www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov .
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Mick Bullock
Communications Director/Press Secretary
Office of Governor Phil Bryant
601-576-2811
mick.bullock@governor.ms.gov
www.governorbryant.com
