Dewberry, a privately held professional services firm, has been selected by Escambia County, Florida, to assist in developing a multi-year implementation plan (MYIP) and recovery framework to use funds related to the Resources and Ecosystem Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 (RESTORE Act). The project will include establishing project selection criteria, developing a proposal application and evaluation process, and assisting the Escambia County Board of Commissioners, the RESTORE Advisory Committee, and county staff in ranking and recommending projects eligible for funding through the Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund established by the RESTORE Act.

"Escambia County is stepping forward and taking a strategic leadership position on behalf of its constituents," says Michael Hanson, PE, Dewberry project manager and director of water resources. "Dewberry will collaborate closely with the Board of County Commissioners, the RESTORE Advisory Committee, and most importantly, the public, to ensure the process is transparent and the planning efforts represent the goals of the Escambia County community."

The oldest and westernmost county in the state of Florida, Escambia County is known for its scenic beaches and natural preserves, including Pensacola Beach and the Gulf Islands National Seashore. The county was among numerous coastal areas impacted by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in April 2010 and is eligible for RESTORE Act funds to assist with ecological restoration, economic development, and tourism promotion.

Dewberry's team includes the University of West Florida Hass Center for Business Research and Economic Development and American Compliance Technologies. Planning efforts will explore projects eligible for RESTORE Act funds as well as funding through other federal programs. The project will be complete by early 2016.

Dewberry, which maintains an office in Pensacola and five additional offices along the Gulf Coast, has worked extensively with communities throughout the U.S. on environmental restoration and community revitalization projects, including post-disaster planning and recovery, grant assistance, and public outreach.