Citizens wait at the microphone to speak up on restoration at the First meeting of the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council in DecemberSo much has happened in the last twelve months that is finally moving us closer to making ecosystem restoration a reality. Last year, the RESTORE Act passed, ensuring 80% of the Clean Water Act fines from the BP Drilling Disaster will come to the Gulf states for ecosystem restoration and economic recovery. Then in January, the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council released The Path Forward to Restoring the Gulf Coast, which is the early stage of plan development and the Council will release a draft plan for public comment this Spring.This week, the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council is holding public meetings in across the Gulf to hear ideas about restoration. I hope you can attend one of these meetings to make your voice heard!The meeting times are locations are:February 19Louisiana – 5:00 PM CSTTerrebonne Civic Center, 346 Civic Center Blvd., Room 3, Houma, LAMississippi – 5:00 PM CSTMississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center, 2350 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, MSFebruary 20Louisiana – 5:00 PM CSTUniversity of New Orleans, Homer Hitt Alumni Center Ballroom, 2000 Lakeshore Drive, New Orleans, LAFebruary 21Louisiana – 5:00 PM CSTLack Charles Civic Center, Jean Lafitte Room, 900 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Charles, LAFebruary 28Florida – 6:00 PM ESTStudent Union East Conference Center, Gulf Coast State College, 5230 W. U.S. 98, Panama City Beach, FLYou can get ideas on what to say to support of the Gulf’s natural resources by downloading GRN’s talking points.As billions of dollars dedicated for restoration begin to flow to the Gulf, it is critical that we closely monitor the process for selecting and funding projects. We want to be sure that the maximum amount of funding is spent on restoring our unique ecosystem and protecting our marine and coastal environment. The Council needs to understand that ecosystem restoration is economic recovery, and the only path forward for a resilient Gulf.It is vitally important that everyone’s voice is heard, so please consider standing up to share some of your thoughts or the GRN messages that you can download here.To learn more about the Council and get details about upcoming meetings, visitwww.restorethegulf.gov
