The Trustees and BP have proposed approximately $34.4 million for the fifth phase of early restoration for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The first phase of the project would enhance public access to natural resources and increase recreational opportunities at four sites in the Florida Panhandle. The four sites include:
- Innerarity Point in Escambia County, Florida which would involve acquisition of a 3.38-acre property and the building of a public park on the property.
- A parcel in the City of Destin, Florida which would involve acquisition of a 3.42-acre parcel and the building of a public park on the property.
- A parcel in the City of Lynn Haven, Florida which would involve acquisition of a 90.7-acre tract, and building a public park on the property.
- Island View Park in Franklin County which would involve construction of a public park on a 7.3-acre parcel owned by Franklin County.
Infrastructure would be constructed at each location to facilitate and enhance recreational use. This could include pathways, boardwalks and docks with kayak launches, trails, and picnic areas, and other improvements. The proposed project would also provide ecological benefits by removing invasive species and protecting important habitats.
This project is described in the draft Phase V Early Restoration Plan that is available for public review and comment. So far, we have approved four phases of early restoration, encompassing 64 projects at an estimated cost of $832 million.
Early restoration allows us to jump start restoration using up to $1 billion that BP has made available for jointly-agreed upon projects. In return, BP's liability is reduced. Early restoration is not intended to provide the full extent of restoration needed to satisfy our claims against BP. Our comprehensive restoration plan will ensure that the public is fully compensated for the natural resources that were lost as a result of the spill.
Read more about the draft plan or comment until December 31, 2015.