The City of Destin received notice today from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that full funding for the stabilization of Norriego Point is being recommended by the Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) Trustees. The funding totals $10,228,130.
“The City of Destin greatly thanks DEP, BP and the NRDA Trustees for recognizing the significance of the Norriego Point Project,” said Destin Mayor Sam Seevers. “We realize the difficulty in deciding which projects to fund, and Destin and Okaloosa County are forever thankful. There are simply no words great enough to express our gratitude.”
The City of Destin began applying for assistance through the NRDA process in late 2010, after the oil spill diminished a promising tourist season and crippled the city’s charter fishing fleet. Over the last three years, city staff and Mayor Seevers have worked tirelessly to submit applications and file for permits to qualify for NRDA funds to stabilize Norriego Point.
“Norriego Point is the city’s most unique asset and protects our wonderful charter fishing fleet which is vital to our local, as well as regional, economy. This funding provides us with the means to permanently eliminate the erosion of the point and ensure that our harbor is accessible for years to come,” said Seevers.
City officials will work with DEP over the coming months to finalize a plan to begin the permanent stabilization of Norriego Point. NRDA was put in place after the April 2010 BP Oil Spill to fund deserving projects along the Gulf Coast.
Pictured: Destin Mayor Sam Seevers and Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Herschel Vinyard