The Deepwater Horizon oil spill Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees have extended the public comment period for the Draft Phase IV Early Restoration Plan and Environmental Assessments. The draft proposes an additional 10 early restoration projects with an estimated cost of $134 million across the Gulf states. The draft is now available for public review and comment through July 6 rather than the original deadline of June 19.

The Trustees are extending the review time an additional 17 days based on requests from the public. This extension will allow the public more time to review and comment on the proposed early restoration projects. The Trustees continue to encourage everyone to provide input.

The 10 early restoration projects proposed in the Draft include two that would enhance bird nesting habitat, four projects that would improve nearshore and reef habitats, two projects that would enhance recreational opportunities on federal lands, one project that would reduce sea turtle mortality, and one project that would restore pelagic fish across the Gulf. The Draft, available at www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov, includes the complete list of proposed projects, with locations and descriptions.

The public may submit written comments through July 6, 2015:

• Online: www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov

• By U.S. Mail: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, P.O. Box 49567, Atlanta, GA 30345

Early restoration is not intended to provide the full extent of restoration needed to satisfy the Trustees’ claims against BP. The Deepwater Horizon oil spill Natural Resource Damage Assessment and restoration will continue until the public is fully compensated for the natural resources and services that were lost as a result of the spill.