Spend BP settlement money wisely on Gulf restoration

Resolve to restore the Gulf!

The New Year brings both reflection on the past and planning for the future. This past year was an important one for Florida's coast: More than five years after the Deepwater Horizon oil rig exploded, there was finally a legal settlement with BP. In the coming years, Florida will receive more of the oil spill penalties than ever before; now that is something to celebrate!

Manatee County will receive a portion of these dollars as will other Gulf Coast communities, via various legal avenues and they will have different strings attached.

But the funds have one thing in common: It will take vision and real commitment to spend this money wisely, in a way that truly heals the Gulf.

Locally, Robinson Preserve in Bradenton is an excellent example of a wise investment in meaningful restoration. Manatee County is committed to rebuilding coastal wetland, upland, and estuarine habitat that will provide a great home for fish and wildlife, as well as recreational opportunities for both locals and visitors.

And this is exactly what's needed in Tampa Bay and elsewhere along the coast. The health of many of Florida's estuaries -- the nurseries of the sea -- have declined over the decades. The oil spill funds are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make this right.

This year, Floridians should resolve to ensure these penalties are dedicated to projects that restore the coast and increase the resiliency of our communities while boosting our economy.

Jessica Koelsch

Pensacola

This story was originally published January 9, 2016 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Spend BP settlement money wisely on Gulf restoration ."