BP's Mike Utsler answers oil questions

GULF SHORES, Alabama (WALA) - We're still here.

That was the message given by Mike Utsler, the COO for the BP Gulf Coast Restoration Organization. Utsler paid a visit to Little Lagoon in Gulf Shores to meet workers and answer questions.

Mike Utsler shook hands with workers, and thanked them for their hard work. He said it's because of them that the beaches look so inviting.

"On the surface, they look beautiful. The teams have done an amazing job and they continue to do an amazing job. As we continue to look at the deep cleaning that is required, we'll continue that focus," Utsler said.

But there's a major question that has been asked by many. Is BP moving out?

"We're going to continue to right size our work force simply around the scale and scope of the work. I expect you'll see the work force grow and shrink based upon the detailed cleaning that is required," explained Utsler.

Utsler said the Vessels of Opportunity program has been cut down since the need for skimmers has gone down. He said some of those in the program will be used for other jobs, such as boom repair.

Utsler said Florida and Alabama are boom free, with some boom left in Mississippi. The majority remains in Louisiana.

In response to the new threat of oil that happened with the explosion Thursday, Utsler said BP is there to help.

"I did hear about the event, I didn't hear the details. I think all we can say at this point is that any support we can provide, having the capabilities locally that we have would be made available," said Utsler.

Utsler once again reiterated that BP will indeed be here for the long haul.