Amid oil crisis, Bayou's funds dry up

BAYOU LA BATRE, Alabama (WALA) - Thursday, hundreds of local fishermen working with the oil clean-up are at a standstill while city officials wait for more money to come in.

Lately out of work fisherman have been busy helping with the oil spill. Thursday, a stark contrast, everything has stopped. Workers are ready, but the money to pay them is not.

"We hope to get more money. It's been a good program. I think it's helped a lot of people," Wayne Eldridge, President of J&W Marine Enterprises said.

Eldridge's company is contracted by BP to protect the shorelines and estuaries. But when the money ran out, everyone got laid off.

"We have 327 boats working. That's comes up to 700 and some odd people. As of today, this program is over with because we're out of funding," Eldridge explained.

Bayou La Batre had a portion of a $25 million grant. Mayor Stan Wright said all the money they were allotted was used to pay the workers and for equipment.

"He contracted barges, cranes, personnel. We had to hire a grant administrator, and city inspector whenever we put boom out," Wright added.

A big task that needs more money. City officials are working diligently.

"The City of Bayou La Batre submitted a new plan for a $3 million project to keep these people working. I'm going to stand behind my fisherman 110 percent and that's the way it's going to be. BP needs to step up to the plate and do the right thing and fund these people," Wright said.

While the city waits for an answer about if and when the money will come in, Eldridge is staying hopeful.

"I feel assured there will be more money coming through," Eldridge said.