Overview of Pots 1 - 5

Money Pots

The Gulf Coast Restoration Trust Fund, established by the RESTORE Act, has five "pots" of money - view a page on each pot's money allocation. These restore and protect the following facets of the Gulf Coast region:

  • Beaches
  • Coastal Wetlands
  • Economy
  • Ecosystems
  • Fisheries
  • Marine and Wildlife Habitats
  • Natural Resources

Environmental Law Institute’s Trust Fund Chart

Pot 1

Pot 1, the Equal-Share State Allocation or Direct Component - Bay County Receives a Portion

All Florida Gulf coastal counties will receive a portion of Pot 1, also known as the Equal-Share State Allocation or the Direct Component (35% of the RESTORE fund, 7% to each state). Bay County will receive 11.3% of Florida's Pot 1. This equals 0.79% of the entire amount of the RESTORE funds. These funds can be used for restoration and protection of natural resources, mitigation of damage to fish and wildlife, and workforce development and job creation. Bay County must prepare a Multi-Year Implementation Plan before receiving funds.

Pot 2


Pot 2, Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council

Pot 2 (30%) is controlled by the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council. Projects to be considered for funding must be nominated by a governor of one of the five Gulf States or one of the six federal entities on the Council. These funds will focus on environmental projects with guidance from the Council's Comprehensive Plan.

Pot 3

Pot 3, Impact-Based State Allocations or Spill Impact Component - Florida Gulf Consortium

Bay County is a member of the intergovernmental group known as the Florida Gulf Coastal Counties Consortium. The Gulf Consortium will plan how to spend Florida's $293 million share of Pot 3 funds, the Spill Impact Component (30% of RESTORE funds). Funds can be used on the same types of projects as for Pot 1.

Pots 4 & 5

Pots 4 & 5, NOAA Gulf Restoration Science Program & State Centers of Excellence

Pots 4 and 5 (2.5% each) will be used for research and monitoring. More information on the allocation and allowed uses of RESTORE funds (PDF) can be found.