Governor Crist announces BP funding for innovative technology solutions for protecting Panhandle against oil impacts
Governor Charlie Crist, continuing his commitment to recovery efforts in the Gulf of Mexico, today announced $500,000 in funding from BP for two innovative technology solutions for Okaloosa County. The funding will support two projects that have yet to be tried in protecting Florida from oil spill impacts.
“We must try every solution we can to confront the oil spill and its impacts to the Gulf of Mexico and our shores,” said Governor Crist. “I appreciate BP and the United States Coast Guard’s support for these technologies. We will continue to exhaust every tool to ensure the best possible outcome for Florida’s environment, economy and quality of life.”
The first project, which is estimated to cost approximately $300,000, will utilize up to nine barges in a configuration similar to boom to protect Destin Pass. The intent is to funnel the oil product to an area where it can be more easily skimmed. The initial effort will include three barges and expand. In addition to the barges the funding will also assist in protecting maritime resources as well as nearby infrastructure including bridges.
The remaining $200,000 will be used for the implementation of an underwater “air curtain” that will utilize a layer of bubbles to push oil from the murky depths towards the surface and large barges to block oil on the water’s surface.
“We have notified the county and they are pleased that we were successful in securing this funding,” said Florida Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Michael W. Sole. “By implementing these supplemental efforts, in addition to the work being done by Unified Command, BP and state agencies, we are taking proactive measures to ensure that our precious beaches, coastal communities and natural resources are protected.”
For more information on Florida’s response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, visit www.deepwaterhorizonflorida.com, follow www.Twitter.com/FLDEPalert or call the Florida Oil Spill Information Line at 888-337-3569.