Governor Bentley Announces $21 Million for Gulf Restoration Projects in Alabama

Statement

MONTGOMERY- Governor Robert Bentley on Tuesday announced the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) has approved more than $21 million for five Alabama projects that address high priority conservation needs to restore some of Alabama's natural resources affected by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill.

"The Gulf Coast of Alabama is one of the state's greatest natural treasures, and it is important we restore it from the devastation caused by the 2010 oil spill," Governor Bentley said. "The $21 million we will receive from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation will support our continued long-term recovery efforts from the adverse effects of the oil spill. I appreciate the unified effort of our local, state and federal partners who are working with us in this long-term recovery process to restore the Alabama Gulf Coast."

In 2013, a U.S. District Court approved two plea agreements resolving certain criminal charges against BP and Transocean related to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The funds announced Tuesday are the third installment from NFWF's Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund. A total of $356 million will be paid into the Gulf Fund over a five year period for conservation projects in the State of Alabama.

"As part of our ongoing efforts to restore and protect Alabama's natural resources, these projects are the culmination of a great deal of hard work and coordination with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, as well as the grant recipients," Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Commissioner N. Gunter Guy, Jr. said. "Coupled with those projects funded in earlier rounds, this third phase of funding through the Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund moves us one step closer to a more resilient coastal Alabama."

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