Nearly two dozen groups in Alabama will share more than $8 million in oil spill funds to promote Gulf Coast tourism and seafood. The administrator of the claims process for the 2010 oil spill, Patrick Juneau, announced the first round of grants this week.
BP is spending $57 million to bolster the tourism and seafood industries as part of a proposed settlement for the 2010 oil spill that sullied local beaches and put a dent in the regional economy.
Approved projects in Alabama include the cities of Foley, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Foley city administrator Mike Thompson says the city plans to build a year-round seafood and farmers market with its grant.