Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council Updates Comprehensive Plan

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council chair, announced the approval of the Comprehensive Plan Update at the council meeting. This plan was unanimously adopted by the council, which includes the five gulf states (Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas) and six federal agencies (U.S. Departments of the Interior, Commerce, Agriculture and Homeland Security, as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Army). The Council also heard from some of its key restoration partners, including representatives from the Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund. 

“Today’s announcement builds the foundation for state and federal partners to fulfill their commitments to the 22 million Americans who live in Gulf coastal counties and parishes to revitalize their economies and the Gulf ecosystem they depend upon,” said Vilsack. “The Comprehensive Plan Update reflects unprecedented collaboration between federal, state, tribal and local partners and creates the framework for ongoing coordination, engagement and transparency as we continue to invest in strategies to restore this vital region.”

The council has updated its Initial Comprehensive Plan to include recent developments in gulf restoration, such as the resolution of civil claims against BP for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, a source of future funding for the Council’s projects. The update also captures important public input and lessons learned from the process of developing and approving its initial Funded Priorities List (FPL), its first slate of restoration activities to be funded through the RESTORE Act, and positions the council to make the most effective use of future funds as they become available in 2017.

“The council is pleased to present this Comprehensive Plan Update,” said Justin R. Ehrenwerth, executive director of the council. “We thank the public for comments provided on the draft update. The council has incorporated modifications to the update based on public input. We look forward to continuing to work with stakeholders as we move forward with comprehensive restoration across the coast.”

A recording of the meeting and additional information about the Comprehensive Plan Update 2016 and the Response to Public Comments are available. 

Source: Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council