Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment Texas Trustee Implementation Group Draft Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment #3: Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats

Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment Texas Trustee Implementation Group Final Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment #3: Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats and Finding of No Significant Impact

The National Marine Fisheries Service, on behalf of the Deepwater Horizon Texas Trustee Implementation Group (Texas TIG), announces availability of the Final Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment #3 and Finding of No Significant Impact for wetlands, coastal, and nearshore habitats in Texas. The plan allocates $36 million toward beneficial use of dredged material to construct wetland habitat at six sites along the Texas coast, funding restoration of injuries caused by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Nine alternatives (including No Action) were evaluated; six projects were selected. The FONSI concludes no significant environmental impacts will result from implementation.

Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment Texas Trustee Implementation Group Draft Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment #3: Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats

The Texas Trustee Implementation Group (Texas TIG), led by NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service, has released Draft Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment #3 for Wetlands, Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats under the Deepwater Horizon Natural Resource Damage Assessment. The plan evaluates nine alternatives (eight project alternatives plus No Action) and proposes approximately $40 million in funding for seven preferred projects, all using beneficial use of dredged material to construct wetland habitat along the Texas coast. Preferred projects span multiple national wildlife refuges and wildlife management areas. The public comment period closes February 18, 2025, with a public meeting in Galveston on January 28, 2025.