receive that, please let me know.
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STATE OF MISSISSIPPI
Phil Bryant, GOVERNOR
MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Trudy D. Fisher, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 14, 2013
Contacts: Robbie Wilbur, MDEQ, 601-961-5277
Melissa Scallan, MDMR, 228-523-4124
MDEQ Receives $8.2 million for Gulf Restoration Projects in Mississippi
(Moss Point, Miss.) -- The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)
today announced $8.2 million for three Mississippi projects that address
high priority conservation needs on the Mississippi coast. The projects,
developed in consultation with the Mississippi Department of Environmental
Quality and federal resource agencies, are designed to remedy harm to
natural resources that were affected by the 2010 Gulf oil spill.
The monies are the first obligations from NFWF's Gulf Environmental Benefit
Fund, created earlier this year as part of the settlement between the U.S.
Department of Justice, BP and Transocean to settle certain criminal charges
against both companies in relation to the spill.
Today's announcement represents the initial obligation of funds from the
first disbursements received by the Gulf Fund. Under the allocation formula
and other provisions contained in the plea agreements, $356 million will be
paid into the Gulf Fund over the next five years for conservation projects
in the State of Mississippi.
Governor Phil Bryant said, "These projects address natural resources that
are vital for improved habitat, and enhances management of storm water
runoff, and supports our coastal preserve management which is an essential
part of protecting our pristine coastal Eco-system."
"Enjoying the outdoors is a fundamental part of being a Mississippian.
These first NFWF projects address natural resources which are at the heart
of the outdoor experience. These projects will improve streams in all 3
coastal counties, and will provide improved habitat for birds in more than
20 locations. I am also very happy that 2 of our 3 projects address issues
related to flooding. Our third project recognizes the importance of the
Department of Marine Resources coastal preserve management which is vital
to the health of our coast," said MDEQ Executive Director Trudy Fisher.
"Today's announcement represents the culmination of months of work on the
part of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and our partner in these
important conservation efforts, the State of Mississippi. In particular, we
appreciate the efforts of Trudy Fisher, Executive Director of the
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, whom Governor Bryant has
designated as the lead representative for the state. She has worked with us
to ensure these funds are directed to high priority conservation needs in
Mississippi," said Jeff Trandahl, executive director and CEO of NFWF.
One of the 3 project will focus on expanding the Audubon Coastal Bird
Survey program, a year-round volunteer-driven monitoring program for
shorebirds that began in the wake of the oil spill. The stewardship program
will focus on 22 sites in coastal Mississippi and carry out standardized
monitoring; implement best management practices to secure nesting sites and
reduce human use and invasive species threats; and educate diverse
audiences to increase understanding of the needs and value of coastal water
birds.
"Audubon is tremendously excited to be selected to assist Mississippi in
its effort to restore our state's natural resources. We are confident that
by working with the Mississippi restoration team, under the leadership of
Trudy Fisher, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation we will achieve
long-term positive results for key bird populations in our region," said
Jay Woods, Executive Director/Vice President of Audubon Mississippi.
The Coastal Stream and Habitat Restoration and Management Initiative will
create strategies and restoration designs to abate threats to priority
coastal streams and restore associated habitat. Through a partnership among
the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality's Basin Management
Program, Audubon Society, and the Nature Conservancy (TNC), funding will be
utilized to complete Phase I of the Initiative and will generate
conservation plans and restoration design plans for coastal watersheds in
several communities. These plans will be implemented as future funding
opportunities become available. Audubon and TNC will be carrying out
planning work in Hancock, Harrison and Jackson Counties in conjunction with
local governments and citizens.
"The Nature Conservancy is excited about this opportunity to partner with
MDEQ, Audubon, and most importantly the coastal communities that will be
involved in this initiative. Restoration of these freshwater streams is not
only critical, but highlights the connection and importance of inland
conservation for the health and resiliency of coastal habitats in the
Gulf," said Alex Littlejohn, Associate State Director, The Nature
Conservancy.
The third project will restore and improve management of the State of
Mississippi's system of Coastal Preserves to enhance the ecological value
of these important coastal habitats. These actions are needed to maintain
native habitats and to provide appropriate transition zones for inland
migration of coastal marshes in the face of sea level rise. Actions on 26
Coastal Preserve sites will utilize invasive species control and native
vegetation plantings to restore ecological function to these unique and
important habitats. The program intends to target the most threatening and
destructive invasive species including Chinese tallow, giant salvinia,
common salvinia, and water hyacinth. By strategically restoring wetlands
and removing invasive species, the Coastal Preserves Program project will
revitalize ecologically and economically important fish and wildlife
resources.
Jamie Miller, Executive Director for the Mississippi Department of Marine
Resources, said, "This NFWF funding will allow Mississippi to take an
important step in enhancing our coastal preserves."
# # #
(See attached file: nov14.pdf)
Mr. Robbie Wilbur
Communications Director
Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality
Post Office Box 2261
Jackson, Mississippi 39225
601/961-5277
601/421-5699 (c)
601/961-5715 (f)
rwilbur@deq.state.ms.us
