MOBILE, Ala. — Alabama Gov. Bob Riley and Kenneth Feinberg, the man appointed by President Barack Obama to administer the independent claims facility managing BP’s $20 million escrow account, told reporters Tuesday afternoon they will work in tandem to ensure Alabama oil spill claims are expedited.

Riley applauded the appointment of an independent third party to oversee the process, and said Feinberg, who also oversaw the victims’ compensation fund in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C., “understands the situation almost innately.”

Feinberg said he learned more in his 90-minute briefing with Riley about the unique nature of Alabama coastal claimants than he thought possible and stressed the importance of remaining visible and accessible to local claimants throughout what promises to be an arduous and extensive process.

“You can’t run this program from Washington. It will not work from Washington,” Feinberg said, noting he will return to Alabama’s Gulf Coast repeatedly for a series of community forums Riley’s office is coordinating to help local residents better understand the claims process.

“These are the small businesses the President spoke about, the ones who need help the quickest. And as we help them, the rest will follow,” Feinberg said.

And because coastal Alabama’s economy is heavily weighted toward the tourism industry, Riley has suggested that Feinberg consider the possibility of providing lump-sum payments equal to the total estimated losses of the almost four-month tourist season that runs from Memorial Day to Labor day rather than the monthly payments that have been issued to date.

“Alabama is not Mississippi. It is not Florida, and it is not Louisiana. We’re talking about a unique set of business characteristics here in a relatively small area of the state that requires unique consideration,” Feinberg said. He said he has three “bottom-line” goals with the fund: accelerate claims, streamline the claims process and involve everyone on the state and local level in the process.

For the full story, pick up a copy of the June 26 Daphne Bulletin.