Trustees Finalize Fifth Phase of Early Restoration

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The Trustees and BP have finalized a plan for the fifth phase of early restoration for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The project has an approximate cost of $34.4 million. It will 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 will 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 will 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 will involve acquisition of a 90.7-acre tract, and building a public park on the property.
  • Island View Park in Franklin County which will involve construction of a public park on a 7.3-acre parcel owned by Franklin County.

Infrastructure will 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. This project is described in the Phase V Early Restoration Plan, which incorporates public comments we received on the draft plan released last year. Early restoration allows us to begin restoration using up to $1 billion that BP has made available for jointly agreed upon projects. So far, we have approved five phases of early restoration, encompassing 65 projects at an estimated cost of $866 million. Read the Phase V Early Restoration Plan or view other early restoration projects already underway.