Deepwater Horizon 15-Year Anniversary
April 20, 2025 marks the 15-year anniversary of the disastrous Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill. In 2010, the semi-submersible oil rig exploded and the worst offshore oil spill in US history began. 11 people lost their lives and countless environmental damage occurred as the oil spill continued from April through July before it was finally capped. We recognize and honor the sacrifices of those impacted directly and we are grateful for the first responders who battled this disaster for many months.
Today we are highlighting the efforts of The Gulf Consortium to implement projects funded by the DWH disaster payments. Check this graphic that highlights just some of the achievements of active or completed Consortium projects below.
The Gulf Consortium was established in 2012 as the organization of 23 Gulf Coast Florida counties to plan for and implement the Spill Impact Component funds (Bucket 3 of RESTORE Council funds). This $293M in Bucket 3 funds was divided equally among each of the 23 Counties and the State Expenditure Plan (SEP approved in 2018) created the roadmap for implementation: describing the projects to be implemented for the environmental and economic improvement of Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Starting in 2019 with the first project awarded (funded for implementation), there has been a steady building of restoration progress, with over $160M in funds currently awarded for improving coastal public access, enhancing water quality through wastewater and stormwater upgrades, improving habitats, and much more. Thank you to all the Counties working hard each day to get these projects funded and to keep them on track to restore Florida’s Gulf Coast.
