Louisiana will receive $340 million from oil giant BP for coastal restoration projects in the state.
The payout was given final approval today by BP’s trustees.
The oil company must pay for damages caused by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, under the rules of the Natural Resource Damage Assessment program.
Louisiana plans to use the money for “outer coast restoration,” including rebuilding barrier islands in the state.
Beach, dune, and marsh habitat creation projects are planned for four islands in the state, including Whiskey Island and Shell Island.
The funds will also be used to build two marine fishery research facilities in Calcasieu and Plaquemines parishes.