Created by President Obama in response to the BP oil spill last summer, the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Task Force is now working on a project that restores the flow of sediments to wetlands in Texas. Funding from BP helps facilitate the costly process.
Sediments play a crucial role in the ecosystem of the Gulf. Rich with nutrients, they serve as a wildlife habitat to marine animals and birds like pelicans and seagulls. They also form natural barriers that protect people from the elements during hurricane season.
USA Today reports:
"The task force has already said one of the greatest challenges and top priorities for guaranteeing a healthy environment is ensuring sediment from upland waters, such as the Mississippi River, renew their natural flow to replenish wetlands and barrier islands in the Gulf."
"The federal task force includes representatives from all five states that border the Gulf, and is helping determine how to spend the money. Each state will get $100 million. The Department of Interior and the Department of Commerce will each get another $100 million, and the remaining $300 million will be distributed to other projects."
FULL STORY: Texas wetland restoration could be model for Gulf

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