Media Contact: Donna Lum: 601.948. 3071 / donna.lum@neel-schaffer.com.
Mississippi Announces Public Meetings on Proposed Gulf Projects
Asking for Public Input on Proposed Early Restoration Projects and Draft Plan
Jackson, MS (Jan. 13, 2011) – With the recently released Deepwater Horizon Draft Phase I Early Restoration Plan & Environmental Assessment (DERP/EA), Federal and State Trustees are asking the public to come make formal comments on the proposed plan for early restoration projects following the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill of 2010.
Consisting of eight projects, two of which are Mississippi specific, the Draft Plan is the first step in implementing early restoration prior to the completion of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment, a legally required scientific assessment that was set in motion following the oil spill.
To receive public input on the proposed projects, the Deepwater Horizon Trustees are holding a series of meetings across the Gulf, including three to be held next week in Mississippi’s coastal counties.
The Natural Resource Trustee for the State of Mississippi and Executive Director of MDEQ, Trudy D. Fisher, will be on hand along with numerous subject matter experts and federal partners, to assist citizens and hear comments.
“Here in Mississippi, we want to make sure our citizens have ample opportunity to make comments and contribute to the restoration process,” said Fisher “We want to keep them engaged and informed in this process every step of the way.”
The upcoming meetings are scheduled for:
Jackson County:
January 17, 2012
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Gautier Convention Center
2012 Library Lane
Gautier, MS
Harrison County:
January 18, 2012
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Westside Community Center
4006 8th Street
Gulfport, MS
Hancock County:
January 19, 2012
6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Bay St. Louis Community Hall
301 Blaize Avenue
Bay Saint Louis, MS
The format of the meetings will consist of an open-house session from 6 to 7 p.m. in which individuals can get information, ask questions or make comments. There will be a short presentation following the open house after which comments will be received in a group setting.
“Public participation is a critical factor in developing plans for restoring the Gulf following the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill,” said Fisher. "We understand that the people who make their living from the Gulf and who choose to live or vacation here offer insightful and important perspectives that will help determine the types of restoration needed. As a member of the Trustee Council, I strongly urge everyone to become involved by attending the public meetings to ensure their thoughts are heard.”
For additional information about the Draft Plan visit www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov or www.MDEQNRDA.com. |