MONTGOMERY – Governor Robert Bentley on Friday issued the following statement regarding Congressional approval of the RESTORE Act – a measure that will help Gulf States continue the long-term recovery from the effects of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster.

“We are excited to see that Congress has passed this measure.  This will enable funding from the Clean Water Act fines and penalties to be distributed and spent in the Gulf states most directly impacted by the devastating oil spill,” Governor Bentley said.  “This will be a major help in seeking to revitalize an area that’s been impacted environmentally and economically.  I want to thank Alabama’s Congressional delegation for support of this measure.  We greatly appreciate their work in a cooperative manner to help the people of this state.  The efforts of our delegation, and other delegations from coastal states, were vital to successful passage of the RESTORE Act.”

Funds from the RESTORE Act will go toward environmental recovery along with economic development and job training initiatives that will assist Alabama in its long-term recovery from the spill.  Funding will be spent for the benefit of counties primarily impacted by the spill.  That results in a benefit for the rest of the state as well.  The RESTORE Act is now awaiting the President’s signature.