Sink Asks for Florida to Host Independent Escrow Claims Office

Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink is calling for the attorney managing the independent, $20 billion national oil spill response escrow fund to locate the fund's independent claim's office in Florida.

President Barack Obama and the executives of British Petroleum agreed Wednesday that BP would fund the account, which will compensate all states for losses created by the Gulf oil spill, over four years. In Florida, where tar balls and tar patties have started to appear on beaches from Escambia to Okaloosa counties in the Panhandle, BP has received more than 14,778 claims for losses and paid out a total of $12.65 million.

In the meantime, Visit Florida, the state's public-private marketing corporation, released a new TV ad Thursday promoting Florida beaches and directing tourists to its live updates on the status of state beaches in 100 markets.

Here's Sink's letter to attorney and independependent escrow fund manager Kenneth Feinberg:

Dear Mr. Feinberg:

After weeks of calling for a change in the way BP handles claims, the announcement of a new, independent process mandating fairer, faster, and more transparent claims resolutions could not come soon enough for me. It is vital for our small business owners to get the cash they need now.In addition to closely monitoring the progress and speed of these claims, I will continue to fight for our small business owners in Florida, who are facing environmental and economic damages through no fault of their own.

Today, I am writing to request that you locate the new facility strategically in Northwest Florida. In addition to being one of the most beautiful places in the world, a Northwest Florida facility would enable you to hire Floridians and Gulf Coast residents affected by this disaster while also boosting the regional economy.

I am happy to assist in securing a location to meet the needs of your operation. Thank you for your serious consideration.

Sincerely,
Alex Sink