The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council voted yesterday to approve the Initial Funded Priorities List (FPL) pursuant to the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 (RESTORE Act).
The FPL includes funding for seven projects in Louisiana totaling approximately $52 million.
“ We are very pleased that the Council has achieved this important milestone ,” said Chip Kline, executive assistant to the governor for coastal activities .
“Additionally, we greatly appreciate the public’s input and participation in this effort to secure funding to advance key priorities for ecosystem restoration. We are also pleased that there are two projects proposed by federal Council members that directly benefit coastal Louisiana.”
The Coastal Master Plan projects receiving funding include:
• Golden Triangle Marsh Creation Project ($4.3 million; planning); • Mississippi River Reintroduction into Maurepas Swamp Project ($14.2 million; planning); • Biloxi Marsh Living Shoreline Project ($3.2 million; planning); • West Grand Terre Beach Nourishment and Stabilization Project ($7.3 million; planning); • Lowermost Mississippi River Management Program ($9.3 million; planning).