First round of restoration projects

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - Alabama and Florida announced plans Wednesday for the first round of Gulf Coast restoration projects. BP agreed a year ago to fund $1 billion in early restoration projects.

Governor Robert Bentley announced Wednesday, first phase projects include a Marsh Island restoration in Mobile County, and dune restoration along Baldwin County's coastline.

“These projects are part of our comprehensive efforts to address the impact of the oil spill on our state, its resources, and its people,” Governor Bentley said.  “Alabama’s coast is one of the state’s greatest natural treasures, and our efforts will continue to see that all of the damages we have sustained are properly addressed.”

Escambia County, Florida will see $5.78 million for two restoration projects. U.S. Senator Bill Nelson's office said Wednesday construction is expected to begin this summer.

The projects include four public boat ramps and 20 acres of coastal dunes.

The so-called “Phase I” projects were the focus of a dozen public meetings held throughout the Gulf Coast states and in Washington, D.C. in January and February this year.

“Getting this work underway early is great,” Sen. Nelson said Wednesday. “We’ve also got to get Congress to pass the legislation that directs that any BP fine money goes to the affected states.”

“We are confident that the projects will help achieve our goal of healing the Gulf’s ecosystem.  This is an ongoing effort, and we expect to announce additional projects in the near future,” said Cooper Shattuck, legal advisor to Governor Bentley and chair of the Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustee Council’s Executive Committee.

The Deepwater Horizon Disaster that led to the nation's largest oil spill happened on April 20, 2010.