Following is copied from GCERC email on 2/28/18:

On February 21, 2018, the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (Council) voted to approve its 2017 Annual Report to Congress. The Annual Report to Congress summarizes the Council’s 2017 calendar year activities, including but not limited to accomplishments related to the funding approvals to date for both the Council-Selected Restoration Component (commonly referred to as “Bucket 2”) and the Spill Impact Component (commonly referred to as “Bucket 3”).

The 2017 Annual Report to Congress includes reports from the Centers of Excellence. The RESTORE Act dedicates 2.5 percent of the Trust Fund to the Centers of Excellence Research Grants Program, administered by the Department of Treasury. These funds may be used to establish Centers of Excellence for science, technology, and monitoring. To date four Centers of Excellence have been established: 

• Florida RESTORE Act Centers of Excellence Program
• Louisiana’s RESTORE Center of Excellence Research Grants Program
• Mississippi Based RESTORE Act Center of Excellence
• Texas RESTORE Centers of Excellence

Learn more about:

• 2017 Comprehensive Plan Commitment and Planning Support Awards
• RESTORE Council Awarded Grants and Interagency Agreements
• Modifying your Eblast Subscription

For questions contact: Keala J. Hughes, Director of External Affairs & Tribal Relations, (504) 717-7235, keala.hughes@restorethegulf.gov