The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (Council) is announcing its plan to vote on Funded Priorities List (FPL) 3b and associated environmental compliance documents, during an executive telephonic meeting held on or about April 28, 2021. The proposed FPL 3b, which includes 20 activities designed to address ecosystem needs across the Gulf of Mexico, is the culmination of a multi-year process of collaborative restoration planning and public engagement along the Gulf Coast. The Draft FPL 3b underwent a 50 day public comment period that closed on January 5, 2021. If approved, these restoration activities would be funded pursuant to the RESTORE Act’s Council-Selected Restoration Component (Bucket 2).

 

Included in FPL 3b are projects that support ecosystem restoration throughout the Gulf, including important ecoregions and watersheds such as the Chenier Plain in Texas, the Mississippi Sound in Mississippi, the Apalachicola watershed in Florida, and the Perdido River and Bay Watersheds shared by Alabama and Florida. The benefits of FPL 3b restoration activities include improving water quality, providing habitat conservation and restoration, increasing coastal resilience, and supporting scientific efforts to help build the knowledge needed to advance Gulf restoration. In developing FPL 3b, the Council adhered to the FPL development processes that it has committed to, including the use of best available science, ensuring public engagement and transparency, and consideration of the Council’s 2019 Planning Framework. 

 

The results of the Council’s vote on FPL 3b and the Responses to Comments reflecting all comments received during the public comment period will be available after the vote. 

 

Learn more about: 

 

Keala J. Hughes

Director of External Affairs & Tribal Relations

(504) 717-7235