BP to Pay $60M in Claims in August for GOM Spill Damages
OAKHURST, N.J. (DTN) --- BP today said it estimates it will pay at least $60
million in advance payments in August to claimants across the Gulf Coast who
have lost income or net profit due to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill.
The company, which has paid $256 million to date for claims including $30
million in the last seven days, will start making the advance payments by the
end of this week. Claimants will receive their check about 30 days after they
received their July payment.
"Our focus has been and remains on getting money into the hands of people
who need it to pay their living expenses," said Darryl Willis of BP's claims
team. "This advance payment program recognizes the importance of replacing
income that has been lost."
BP said it was making the announcement to insure that claimants know that
while it will be transitioning it claims process to Ken Feinberg and the new
Gulf Coast Claims Facility during August, this transition will not impact
August advance payments.
"We are encouraged that a number of fishing areas have been reopened by both
state and federal governments," said Willis. "We hope this allows many who make
their living in the Gulf to be able to begin doing so again."
He continued, "We also know that the Gulf represents a lot more than making
a living; for many it is their way of life. We will be here for as long as it
takes to make things right and that means providing these advance monthly
payments for loss of income to fishermen, crabbers, shrimpers and many others."
BP has paid more than $237 million to individuals and business for loss of
income or net profits since May. Those receiving payments and the amounts
received to date include the following: fisherman, $39 million; shrimpers, $23
million; oyster harvester, $8 million and charter boat owners, $6 million;
while more than $117 million has gone to individuals and businesses in a
variety of occupations including those who work as deck hands and in seafood
processing.
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