Bucket 1 Direct Component: Multi-Year Implementation Plan (MIP) Grants Awarded

TCEQ has received four grant awards from the U.S. Department of Treasury in association with projects included in the Texas Bkt 1 accepted Multi-Year Implementation Plan (MIP).

The four grants awarded are for the following primary eligible activities:

• Restoration: four projects for approximately $31 million;
• Flood Protection: five projects for approximately $27 million;
• Tourism: six projects for approximately $17 million; and
• Workforce Development: two projects for approximately $15 million.

TCEQ RESTORE staff continue to work on three applications for:

• Mitigation: three projects;
• Promotion of Consumption of Seafood: one project; and
• Planning Assistance: one project.

Projects included in the grant awards and applications were selected by then TCEQ Commissioner, and now TCEQ Executive Director, Toby Baker using his discretionary authority and in consultation with the Office of the Governor. Factors that were considered included whether the projects (1) strengthen coastal resiliency, (2) stimulate local coastal economies, (3) increase tourism, and (4) establish a foundation for future economic and ecosystem restoration through careful planning and study. Consideration was also given to projects that had a strong economic component in addition to ecological restoration. These projects were also selected to provide funding for as many of the 18 RESTORE eligible counties as possible, as well as to ensure a cross-section of projects that addressed as many of the RESTORE eligible activities as possible. Any questions concerning the Bucket 1/MIP process should be directed to the TCEQ’s Procurement and Contracts section in the Office of Administrative Services at robert.apolinario@tceq.texas.gov.