Special to The Leader

Due to a technical issue for several hours on Tuesday, Apr. 12, applications for RESTORE funding under the RFGA for Bucket 1 (Direct Component) could not be submitted. The issue is resolved and the deadline to submit applications is extended.

The new submission deadline is Monday, Apr 18 at 5 p.m. CDT.

The extension has been posted at: http://www.restorethetexascoast.org/ and will be posted on the electronic state business daily at: http://esbd.cpa.state.tx.us/bid_show.cfm?bidid=122209

Applications are being solicited for more than $56 million in funding available for environmental, ecological, or economic projects. More information on the funding is available on the RESTORE website [www.restorethetexascoast.org].

Eligible projects in the Gulf Coast region include those that: restore and protect natural habitats, mitigate damage to fish and wildlife, improve state parks in coastal areas, protect against coastal floods, promote tourism and/or consumption of Gulf Coast seafood, and develop the workforce and create jobs in the coastal region.

The Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast Act of 2012 (RESTORE Act) established the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council and the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund and dedicates 80 percent of Clean Water Act penalties resulting from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill to the Trust Fund, for restoration projects in the Gulf Coast region. TCEQ Commissioner Toby Baker is Governor Abbott’s appointee to the council representing the State of Texas.