On April 20th, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon oil well exploded, killing 11 people and seriously injuring 17 others. Over the next 87 days, nearly five million barrels of oil spilled into the Gulf causing major economic and environmental damage and forever altering communities across the Gulf Coast.
The Gulf State Park Enhancement Project (GSPP) came to life when federal and state trustees charged with overseeing the restoration funds provided by BP elected to invest $85.5 million into the region in an effort to mitigate the damages caused to the local tourism industry and environment.
From dune restoration and trail expansion to the cutting edge sustainable construction of the Lodge, Interpretive Center, and Learning Campus, each part of the project ambitiously strives to restore the environment and increase access to this uniquely wonderful park.