Environmental project proposals wanted

Pinellas County is accepting proposals through Feb. 6, 2015 for projects to restore the local environment and economy using anticipated federal funds related to the 2010 BP oil spill.

Projects must be within the county or benefit the county and/or its adjacent bay, coastal or Gulf waters and the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem. Earlier this year, the county requested public input for project ideas which are still being accepted.

The Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourism Opportunities and Revived Economy Act of 2012, better known as the RESTORE Act, requires that penalties collected as a result of the civil lawsuit over the BP oil spill be allocated to the five Gulf states. The exact amount of funding is not yet known but could be in the range of $1.5 to $2 million per year for 10 or more years.

Guidelines and forms for project proposal submittals are available online. Questions regarding the submittal process may be emailed to restore@pinellascounty.org or call (727) 464-4633.

Citizens can submit a project idea online, review county-held public meeting information and read a summary of the RESTORE Act provided by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Project ideas can also be mailed to: Attention: RESTORE Act Program Director
Pinellas County Natural Resources
22211 U.S. Highway 19 N., Bldg. 10
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 464-4633
restore@pinellascounty.org