Florida Congressmen Want Part of BP Fines to Go to Gulf Communities

Two Republican congressmen from Northwest Florida joined forces on Tuesday to back a bill mandating that part of the fines that BP must pay resulting from last years oil spill go toward economic development along the Gulf Coast. The measure, introduced by U.S. Rep. Jeff Miller and freshman U.S. Rep. Steve Southerland, would have 40 percent of the fines go to local communities and states to be used for development and tourism. BP is expected to pay anywhere between $5 billion and $21 billion in fines.

The Gulf Coast continues to feel the economic impacts of the Gulf oil spill, and BP must be held accountable, saidMiller. Florida businesses are struggling, the real estate market has slowed, and individuals are still looking for work.My bill would ensure the fines paid by BP for their mistake would be returned to our area and promote the economies of the local communities still reeling from last years disaster.

North and Northwest Floridas economy is heavily dependent upon Gulf Coast wildlife, fisheries, tourism, and real estate, Southerland said.This legislation is a critical step forward in ensuring that coastal families and small businesses receive the support they so desperately need to recover from the Deepwater Horizon spill.