Rick Scott Shares Funding Plans for Commercial Oyster Fishery Disaster

On Tuesday, Gov. Rick Scott announced his recommendation for projects in the Apalachicola Bay area to receive disaster assistance funding. According to a press release, these projects will help the affected communities "recover from the devastation and move forward to have sustainable fisheries and fishing communities in the future."

The projects are focused on four specific areas: the Apalachicola Bay Habitat Improvement, monitoring of the wild Apalachicola Bay oyster population, vocational and educational training for Apalachicola Bay oyster industry workers andApalachicola Bay processor facilities upgrades.

I am excited today to recommend these projects that will share $6.3 million to help restore economic vitality and provide relief to the oystermen and their families who have endured such hardship in the Apalachicola Bay area," said Scott. "In addition to bolstering their industry, this funding will be used to provide vocational and educational training for oystermen and their families so they are able to support their families for generations to come.

Last month, Scott announced Florida was awarded $6.3 million in disaster assistance funding for the communities that were devastated by the collapse of the oyster harvesting industry in Apalachicola Bay. This disaster assistance funding follows Gov. Scotts request for a commercial fishery failure.

Scott's recommendations are subject to final approval from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.