November 13, 2019 — More than $53 million from the BP oil catastrophe will go toward 15 projects designed to improve the ecosystem, boost tourism, improve the economy and enhance natural resources on the Mississippi Coast, Gov. Phil Bryant said Tuesday.
Bryant announced the latest projects during the Mississippi Restoration Summit at the Coast Coliseum. Some of the 15 projects funded are new, while money is being added for other ongoing projects. The state has already received $511 million, bringing the total received to $564 million.
The projects are funded through the RESTORE Act and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund. RESTORE is an acronym for Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States.
▪ $8 million, Water Quality Improvement Program: Wastewater system upgrades for pollution control. Total funding now $68 million.
▪ $7 million, Marsh Creation and Restoration: Dredged material in three coast counties used for marsh restoration and creation.
▪ $5 million, Beach Resilience: Native plants, sea oats and sand fencing to create dunes, slow erosion; concrete boardwalk extension to keep sand on the beach and off U.S. 90.
▪ $4 million, Oyster Hatchery and Research Center: Production of oyster larvae and further development of aquaculture at the University of Southern Mississippi’s Cedar Point center in Ocean Springs. Total funding now $11.7 million.