Search
Close this search box.

Rep. Matt Gaetz announces $1.23 Million Grant for Reef Construction Project in Okaloosa County

Today, U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) announced that The Office of Gulf Coast Restoration in the U.S. Department of the Treasury plans to award a $1,233,566.00 Direct Component grant to Okaloosa County for the Snorkel and Dive Reef construction project. The grant is funded under the RESTORE Act. The project includes the construction of four […]

Today, U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) announced that The Office of Gulf Coast Restoration in the U.S. Department of the Treasury plans to award a $1,233,566.00 Direct Component grant to Okaloosa County for the Snorkel and Dive Reef construction project.

The grant is funded under the RESTORE Act.

The project includes the construction of four new artificial reef sites through the deployment of prefabricated reef modules offshore of Okaloosa County. The new artificial reefs sites are intended to promote fishing and diving tourism by creating habitat for fish and other marine invertebrate species.

According to the Department of the Treasury, the activities funded by the grant reasonably can be identified with the RESTORE Act eligible activity of promotion of tourism in the Gulf Coast Region, including recreational fishing. The project is included in Okaloosa County’s multiyear plan that was accepted by Treasury on June 30, 2017.

“I am excited that Okaloosa County has received a grant through the RESTORE Act for the Snorkel and Dive Reef construction project, which will build four new artificial reefs offshore. Not only will this benefit and preserve Northwest Florida’s precious reef fish population, it will increase fishing and diving tourism for the Emerald Coast — undoubtedly the most beautiful beaches in America,” said Congressman Matt Gaetz.

If you want to learn more about where to dive and fish artificial reefs, click here.

WATCH: Okaloosa Island Snorkel Reefs with Alex Fogg

Join the conversation...

Continue reading 👇

Community Comments

“Would be nice to hear Matt Gaetz addressing his District 1 voters he left in dust. Unless I missed it somehow.”
Respond
“The Big U! The NMU supplied the unlicensed crew and when we lost this ship and its jobs and when U.S. Lines went bankrupt, we were on our way to...”
Respond
“Highschool is finna be more crowed now. We need another highschool not a middle or elementary school.”
Respond
“This is bittersweet. I spent a wonderful week in Cay Sal Banks on the Pilot in 2006. I will have to go pay her a visit soon....”
Respond
“I agree with Jerome. What will this accomplish since both ends are only 4 lanes?”
Respond
“The parking lot at McGuires would disappear along with the parcel that Destin purchased at the bridge.. Flooding on Okaloosa Island would close an expensive update to 98 , at...”
Respond
“This will not make a difference for traffic passing through the center of Destin along Rt. 98. The smart option is to complete the Brooks Bridge and intersection in Ft...”
Respond
“Doesn’t it still end up with 4 lanes on either end after bridges? Seems more aesthetic than a traffic plan. Which is nice too but does it increase the function?”
Respond
“It would be a money pit let’s sink it for the tourists who we don’t have enough of so more will come”
Respond