FAQ’s on BP’s commitment to early restoration projects along the Gulf Coast

BP has signed a ground-breaking agreement with federal and state agencies that will accelerate work starting in 2011 to restore areas of the Gulf of Mexico that were affected by the Deepwater Horizon accident.
The agreement commits up to $1 billion to projects that will restore injured natural resources in the Gulf at the earliest opportunity. It allows projects important to the Gulf’s recovery to begin now, as early restoration projects, rather than waiting for the Trustees to complete all of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) studies that are underway.
Who are the NRDA Trustees?
The Trustees involved include:

• Alabama (Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Geological Survey of Alabama) 
• Florida (Florida Department of Environmental Protection) 
• Louisiana (Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority, Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator’s Office, Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Louisiana Department of Natural Resources) 
• Mississippi (Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality) 
• Texas (Texas General Land Office, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) 
• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (“NOAA”) 
• The Department of the Interior (“DOI”)

Will the public have a role in selecting early projects?
Yes. The Oil Pollution Act provides an opportunity for the public to review and comment on proposed restoration plans. Trustee-sponsored meetings have been held in all five states to explain the natural resource restoration program and request ideas and comments from the public. Proposed early restoration plans will be presented to the public for comment in the future, and will include a description of the project, proposed funding, and the expected natural resources and services that will result.
Are any restoration projects underway now?
Yes. Emergency restoration projects are underway in Mississippi, and will soon be underway in Texas and Louisiana. These projects met the “emergency restoration” criteria, which include the ability to begin work quickly to prevent or minimize further harm to natural resources.
How will the early restoration projects be selected?
Under this agreement, the Trustees use the study data they have collected in the NRD assessment to identify injuries that are evident now. Trustees then develop plans to restore those resources at the earliest opportunity, starting in 2011 and 2012.  Priority will be assigned to projects to improve areas that offer the greatest benefits to wildlife, habitat, and recreational use. For example, a project that builds or enhances wetlands, provides additional habitat for birds and aquatic life, and includes public access to the resources in those areas, would offer multiple benefits to people and the environment.
Does BP have a vote in selecting early restoration projects?
All parties to the agreement are required to agree on the NRD credits associated with the projects that the Trustees will implement with BP funds.  This allows the Trustees to select projects that they believe should be prioritized for early implementation, and ensures that BP receives appropriate credit for funding them.
How much money is available for early restoration?
Under this agreement BP commits to spend up to $1 billion on early restoration. If a Trustee has additional or matching funds from another source, the Trustee can choose to use them to maximize the benefits of this program. 
How much money will go to each state?
The Trustees expect to allocate the early restoration funds among the states and federal government.  We do not know the allocation. 
What is the total number of restoration projects?
There is no limit on the number of early restoration projects that can be selected for this program, as long as funding is available.  BP has committed to spend up to $1 billion on this program, and the Trustees may add any other funding sources they choose, in their discretion, to use.  
How will the Trustees and BP determine if the restoration projects are successful?
Success is measured by the natural resources that are restored, and the services that are provided, by the project.  This method of measurement will vary according to the project, so the specific method cannot be determined until projects are selected. Hypothetically, examples of potential measurement methods may include acres of habitat restored, number of nests protected, number of additional birds and sea turtles that hatch and fledge, acres of new or expanded parkland that may be created, additional days of park or beach visits that result from these, and similar measurements.    
If I have an idea for a restoration project, what should I do?
We are interested in learning about different restoration ideas.  However, the Trustees will decide which projects to propose for early restoration.  You can get more information about the NRD process and submit your restoration ideas to the Trustee Council at the following website: http://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/.
For more information about BP’s $1 billion commitment to early restoration projects, click here. http://www.alabamagulfresponse.com/go/doc/3051/1070695/BP-commits-to-early-restoration-projects-along-Gulf-Coast
For more information about the Natural Resource Damage Assessment process, click here. www.bp.com/nrda


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