Audit finds more than 60% of Gulf Coast Restoration Fund awards lack advisory board recommendation

An audit of the Gulf Coast Restoration Fund found that more than 60% of GCRF funds awarded by the Legislature went to projects that did not carry recommendations from the GCRF Advisory Board, the audit says.

The Gulf Coast Restoration Fund, which is intended to support projects aimed at restoring and protecting Gulf Coast ecosystems and communities, relies on the advisory board to evaluate and recommend projects that meet demonstrated needs and sound design standards, the audit noted.

Auditors said funds should go to projects that are well-designed and address vital needs, and the report warned against using the fund for what it described as politicians’ personal pet projects. The findings raise questions about legislative allocation practices and whether current oversight and application procedures sufficiently protect the fund’s intended purpose.

The audit’s release may prompt calls for clearer rules, increased transparency and stronger coordination between the Legislature and the advisory board. We will provide more information as it becomes available.