Northshore Conifer posted on May 07, 2010 13:52
While the Gulf oil spill most directly impacts those in southeast Louisiana, people all across the state have felt the effects of the spill and are joining together to provide relief for those most affected by this tragedy. As folks continue to work toward a recovery solution, we can’t lose sight that there are Louisianians who have lost loved ones. That is a real tragedy, and something we should all try to remember.
Operationally, the assignment to protect our coastlines and marshes is too big of an endeavor for one company, and I didn’t want the recovery effort to be delayed because BP was spread too thin. We all acknowledge that BP has a financial liability, but I was pleased to learn that federal officials will allow the local and state officials who best know how to protect the coastlines and marshes step in to develop parish by parish recovery plans and allow BP to focus on capping their well.
As we continue to do all we can to stop the leak and protect our coastlines, we must also help those affected economically – including our fishermen, oystermen and shrimpers. I’ve talked with many in the fishing and seafood industry this past week, and they don’t want a handout – they want a job and a paycheck. Through the Vessels of Opportunity program, these folks will be hired to man the coastline and marsh protection efforts underway. And I’m working to make sure they are able to access the federal trust fund already set up to cover damages like the spill as well as access the private support administered by the United Way.
I’m also committed to holding BP to their promise of quick compensation and have established a hotline so that anyone who is having difficulty with the BP claims process can call and have their concerns investigated by my office. Additionally, I joined members of the delegation in sending a letter to the head of the Small Business Administration asking that south Louisiana businesses affected by the Gulf oil spill be allowed to defer payments on SBA-serviced business and disaster loans.
The last few weeks have been trying for so many folks in our state and all along the Gulf Coast, but Louisianians are resilient and will continue to stand together as this on-going challenge continues. And you can rest assured that I will do everything in my power to give those most affected by this tragedy the relief and hope they need.
Please let me know about any issues of importance to you and your family by contacting me at any of my state offices or in my Washington office by mail at U.S. Senator David Vitter, U.S. Senate, 516 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, or by phone at 202-224-4623. You can also reach me on the web at http://vitter.senate.gov.