Latest news: July 6, 2012

Groups ask ruling on new pass
By Amy Wold, The Advocate (Baton Rouge, La.). July 4, 2012.
“A number of national and local environmental groups sent a letter to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Friday, asking that Mardi Gras Pass be formally designated as a navigable waterway…” (Read more)

Gulf Coast states prepare to spend billions in fine money
By Ledyard King and Deborah Barfield Berry (Gannett Washington Bureau). USA Today. July 5, 2012.
“WASHINGTON – It took Gulf Coast lawmakers more than two years of prodding and negotiating to persuade a divided Congress their communities deserve most of the billions of dollars BP will pay in fines for its role in the 2010 oil spill…” (Read more)

RESTORE Act legislation awaits Obama’s signature
By Tom McLaughlin, The Star (Port St. Joe, Fla.). July 5, 2012.
“As expected, the RESTORE Act passed the U.S. House and Senate last Friday as part of a major transportation appropriations bill.

If President Barack Obama signs the bill into law, as also expected, Florida and four other Gulf Coast states affected by the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill can rest assured that billions of BP dollars will be funneled their way…” (Read more)

Sen. Nelson: Tens of Millions to Flow into Florida From Any BP Spill Settlement
By Steve Newborn, WUSF News (Tampa Bay, Fla.). July 5, 2012.
“President Obama is set to sign a massive transportation bill Friday. It would keep the lion’s share of money from a settlement with BP over the Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf states. And a lot of that money could be coming to the Tampa Bay area…” (Read more)

Mobile County Prepares To Spend Millions In BP Fine Money
By Local 15 TV (Mobile, Ala.). July 5, 2012.
“(MOBILE, Ala.) – Mobile County leaders are already brain storming ways to spend Restore Act funds that will soon begin flowing into the five Gulf states…” (Read more)

Rebuild or Relocate?
By Edward Flattau, Huffington Post. July 5, 2012.
“Climate change will pose increasing challenges to city planners dealing with areas especially vulnerable to the elements. In the aftermath of a devastating natural disaster in an urban locale prone to events of a similar magnitude, the knotty question becomes whether to rebuild decimated structures or relocate them to safer sites…” (Read more)

Shrimp season nears end
By Jeremy Alford, The Daily Comet (Thibodaux, La.). July 5, 2012.
“BATON ROUGE — More inshore areas will become closed to commercial shrimping Monday morning, bringing this year’s spring season ever closer to conclusion…” (Read more)