On April 26, 2019, the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (RESTORE Council or Council) provided the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council Planning Framework draft (Planning Framework draft) for public review and comment as it continues to advance its vision of, “A healthy and productive Gulf ecosystem achieved through collaboration on strategic restoration projects and programs”. This vision is included in the Council’s 2016 Comprehensive Plan Update: Restoring the Gulf Coast’s Ecosystem and Economy.
The purpose of the Planning Framework draft was to signal the Council’s FPL 3 restoration priorities and to support the Council’s Comprehensive Plan commitments to:
- Developing a regional ecosystem-based approach to restoration
- Leveraging resources and partnerships through increased collaboration
- Increasing public engagement, inclusion, and transparency regarding the funding decisions in Bucket 2
- Advancing science-based decision-making
- Delivering results and measuring impacts
Public Review and Comment Period: April 26 - June 19, 2019
On April 26, 2019, the Planning Framework draft was available for a 45-day public review and comment period. The RESTORE Council provided a 7-day extension for the 45-day public review and comment period, the deadline for submitting public comments on the Planning Framework draft was 11:59 MDT June 19, 2019. During that time frame, the RESTORE Council provided an overview of the Planning Framework draft via live public webinars and public meetings across the Gulf states. The Council gathered public input on the Planning Framework draft to ensure restoration investments fit into a broad vision for the Gulf of Mexico.
The RESTORE Council hosted and recorded two live public webinars on April 29, 2019. During each live webinar, Council staff presented an overview of the Planning Framework draft, and responded, in real time to selected questions from webinar participants. A recording of the Planning Framework draft webinar presentation and a list of all questions and responses from each webinar is available on our RESTORE Education Opportunities Series page. In order to give the public additional opportunities to learn about the Planning Framework draft, ask questions, and provide comments, the RESTORE Council hosted public meetings in each of the Gulf Coast states during the public comment period.
During the 52-day public review and comment period, the Council accepted written comments via mail, email and through the Planning, Environment and Public Comment website. The Council has released the RESTORE Council Planning Framework: Responses to Comments which includes a summary of the 446 unique public comments received from 2,932 stakeholders and responses to those comments. The Council has incorporated public input into the draft version to result in finalizing the Planning Framework.
If you are interested in receiving notifications of upcoming webinars, subscribe to receive the RESTORE Council’s automatic email updates at www.restorethegulf.gov/contact-us and select the “Public Meetings and Public Comment Periods” category in addition to other categories of interest to you.
Priority Approaches Draft Fact Sheets
Please note: The public comment extension is not reflected on these fact sheets.
Planning Framework Overview (Vietnamese Translation)
Planning Framework Executive Summary (Vietnamese Translation)
Planning Framework Executive Summary (Spanish Translation)
Learn more about
Planning Framework Draft - Public Comment Period
RESTORE Education Opportunities Series