Gary Rikard, Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), announced today that the State of Mississippi will receive a planning grant to develop projects and programs in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (RESTORE Council) has awarded a RESTORE Act Oil Spill Component Planning grant of $1.4 million to MDEQ on behalf of the state. The grant to Mississippi marks the first grant that the RESTORE Council has awarded to any state.
The grant funds will be used to develop and implement the Mississippi Planning State Expenditure Plan, which will consist of projects and programs for funding in three coastal counties. A variety of projects are eligible, and MDEQ will actively engage the public for suggestions. The final plan will also have a public comment period.
