Restore Council-Selected Component

The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (Council) evaluates projects proposals submitted by Council members for funding under the Council-Selected Restoration Component.

In 2015, the Council approved an initial list of restoration projects proposed by Council members. The Initial Funded Priorities List is organized by watershed/estuary in the table below.

Thirty percent of the money directed to the Trust Fund is managed by the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (RESTORE Council) to implement ecosystem restoration under a Comprehensive Plan, developed by the Council with input from the public, to restore the ecosystem and the economy of the Gulf Coast Region. This 30% is referred to as the Council-Selected Restoration Component (commonly referred to as "Bucket 2"). The Council approves Bucket 2 projects and programs for funding in what is called a Funded Priorities List (FPL).

Category 2 activities are Council priorities for potential future funding, but are not approved for funding. These are projects and/or programs that are not yet ready to be approved by the Council, but which the Council considers to be worthy of potential future funding. Funding is budgeted for potential use on the Category 2 activities, but the Council is not committed to such activities. At the appropriate times, the Council reviews the activities in Category 2 to determine whether to: move an activity to Category 1 and approve it for funding, remove it from Category 2 and any further consideration, or continue to include it in Category 2. In these reviews, the Council considers feasibility; environmental compliance; and scientific, technical, policy and/or other related issues. A Council vote and FPL amendment are required to move an activity from Category 2 to Category 1, or to remove an activity from Category 2, thus from any further consideration.

To date, the status of the Council's Funded Priorities List are:  

Initial Funded Priorities List (Initial FPL) - Approved December 9, 2015

2017 Funded Priorities List: Comprehensive Commitment and Planning Support (2017 CPS FPL) - Approved January 24, 2018

Funded Priorities List 3a (FPL 3a )- Approved February 12, 2020 (PDF, 26 pgs.)

Funded Priorities List 3b (FPL 3b) - Approved April 28, 2021

Amendment to 2017 Funded Priorities List: Comprehensive Commitment and Planning Support (2017 CPS FPL)- Public Comment Period- July 20-11:59 PM (CST) August 19, 2023