A council that's supposed to develop a plan to restore the environment and economy after the BP oil spill is holding its first public meeting.
The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council meets Tuesday afternoon in Mobile. The council includes federal officials and state officials from the five Gulf Coast states. A spokesman for Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley said he plans to attend the meeting.
The council plans to work with states and towns to identify projects and programs that will restore natural resources, help businesses, and create jobs. The council is planning public hearings later in each of the Gulf Coast states.
The council was established by the federal Restore Act.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
