TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Florida Governor Rick Scott has requested more than $77 million in gulf coast restoration projects. The request covers 20 projects from five different proposals. They were submitted to the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council for consideration through the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast Act of 2012 (RESTORE Act).
Governor Scott said, "Our Department of Environmental Protection has worked closely with local leaders and environmental stakeholders to identify the projects that will best benefit our critical ecosystems."
According to Governor Scott's press office, the proposals address high priority restoration needs in 10 major watersheds from Perdido Bay to Tampa Bay and they also represent the feedback received from several meetings with stakeholders and citizens.
Two local proposals are the Apalachicola Bay Watershed Proposal with a $26 million price tag, and the Suwannee River Watershed Proposal expected to cost $12 million. The Apalachicola Bay Watershed Proposal includes three major projects expected to improve the flow of fresh water to the bay, an oyster population rebuilding project and more. The Suwannee River Watershed Proposal would address many water quality and habitat issues there.
Information may be found about each proposal at www.deepwaterhorizonflorida.com.
