The civil trial to determine liability in the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil disaster is underway. BP and its contractors face claims from the federal government, Gulf states, and private parties. The opposing sides have been in talks and the lawsuit may be settled before the judge makes a decision. Either way, the awards will be substantial.

How the funds will be directed to Gulf Restoration, whether through the RESTORE Act, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, or other ways, is unknown, but the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council is already working on its Comprehensive Plan.

You can see the list of potential Florida RESTORE projects that have been submitted to the State for review and possible submittal to the Council here.   The RESTORE Act outlines priorities for the Gulf Council funds, including large-scale projects and programs that restore and protect the natural resources of the Gulf.  You can influence which restoration projects are selected, especially those to help our coastal birds and other wildlife, and the health of the Gulf.  Comments can be submitted to the Council at restorecouncil@doc.gov, and Florida is still accepting project proposals here.

Take a moment to review Audubon Florida's RESTORE Act priorities document by clicking here.

As you provide comments and propose projects to the Council, please include the recommendations of Audubon Florida, detailed in Florida Gulf Ecosystem Priorities for the RESTORE Act and  Restoring the Gulf for Coastal Waterbirds: A Long-term Vision.

Our strong, consistent voice will influence which projects are selected.