Florida seeks 77 million dollars for environmental cleanup

Florida is looking for 77 million dollars for five proposals designed to help rebuild the Gulf Coast after the BP oil spill.

The five proposals, involving approximately 20 specific projects, includes over 26 million dollars for three major projects in the Apalachicola watershed to improve fresh water flows to the bay as well as expand an ongoing assessment and rebuilding of the Apalachicola Bay oyster stocks.

It would also include an agricultural pollution reduction project to help to restore the bay and assist affected oystermen.

The proposals were made through the Governor’s office to the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council – the funding would come through the RESTORE Act funds; that fund was created after the BP oil spill to rebuild economies and fisheries impacted by the oil disaster.

The request also includes 16.8 million dollars to identify high priority water quality and habitat restoration projects across the panhandle that could be done in the future.

Almost 16 million dollars is being requested to help address stormwater and wastewater issues for the Pensacola Bay, about 12 million would help buy conservation easements around the Suwannee River Watershed and about 7 million dollars would benefit Tampa Bay.

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