Texas Trustee Implementation Group Releases Third Draft Restoration Plan

The Texas Trustee Implementation Group (TX TIG) is seeking public comment on the draft version of its third restoration plan, which proposes seven preferred projects to compensate for injuries to natural resources caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The Draft Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment #3: Restoration of Wetlands, Coastal and Nearshore Habitats focuses on revitalizing coastal intertidal wetlands using dredged material to restore and conserve habitats. The plan has two key objectives: to raise sediment levels to suitable elevations for estuarine marsh restoration based on nearby wetlands, and to establish estuarine marsh vegetation. The preferred projects in the Draft Plan aim to restore vital coastal ecosystems while making effective use of dredged material.

The Texas Trustees’ 2017 Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment #1 funded the Dredged Material Planning for Wetland Restoration project. This project identified and conducted preliminary design of eight potential wetland restoration projects. Following that evaluation of alternatives to restore wetlands, coastal, and nearshore habitats, the Texas Trustees are proposing seven of those projects as preferred alternatives for implementation. The projects have a total estimated cost of $40 million.

The Texas Trustees seek public comment on the Draft Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment #3, including on the preferred alternatives proposed for implementation. The public comment period extends through February 18, 2025.

Comments can be submitted during the public comment period by one of the following methods:

• Online: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/TXTIGRP3
• In person at the public meeting:

• By mail:

If you plan to attend the public meeting and need special assistance such as a language translator, please contact Nanciann Regalado by Wednesday, January 22, 2025. American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation will be provided during the meeting.

To view the Draft Plan and learn more about ongoing restoration efforts in Texas, please visit NOAA’s Texas Restoration Area webpage.

Sea Turtle Early Restoration Project Extension

In addition to the Draft Restoration Plan/Environmental Assessment #3, the Texas Trustee Implementation Group requests public comment on the extension of the Texas portion of the Sea Turtle Early Restoration project. The project extension will allow for the continuation of work addressing threats to Kemp’s ridley, green, and loggerhead sea turtles on their nesting beaches and in the marine environment. This extension will expend the remainder of the Texas Trustee Implementation Group’s Sea Turtle restoration funding allocation. Details on the project extension can be found in the project change analysis (PDF, 5 pages). The public comment period extends through February 18, 2025. Comments can be submitted during the public comment period by one of the following methods:

• E-mail: earrp@tpwd.texas.gov
• In person at the public meeting