Groups in the Gulf Future Coalition have released Sunshine on the Gulf:  The Case for Transparency in Restoration Project Selection , a report that outlines the need for formal public participation in restoration decision-making and puts forth a framework for evaluating the many proposed early restoration projects that are being decided now.

The public has been largely excluded from discussions of how to spend the $1 billion dollars BP provided as a pre-payment towards their responsibilities under the Natural Resources Damage Assessment (NRDA), a process of injury assessment and determination of responsible party liability that can take many years. The only formal public comment is currently scheduled for the very end of the process, once government and BP have negotiated which projects should be presented.

The Gulf Future framework prioritizes projects that contribute to the recovery and sustainability of the Gulf by (1) improving specific ecosystem impairments; (2) creating public health safeguards; (3) supporting local economies through workforce development, local hiring, and local contracting; (4) engaging public participation; and (5) involving a plan for evaluating outcomes that can be monitored by the public.

Visit the Gulf Future Homepage to download state specific sections. www.gulffuture.org