New claims criteria being doubted

BAYOU LA BATRE, Alabama (WALA) - Most of the people in Bayou La Batre depend on the Gulf of Mexico to put food on the table, pay their electric bill, and take care of their children.

They've filed a claim with the Gulf Coast Claims Facility but haven't gotten a dime.

Some don't seem to think knowing the criteria used to accept or reject claims will help.

Rusty Brannon is a commercial fishermen. He said life has been hard lately, and it isn't showing signs of getting easier.

"I'm about to lose my house now and they don't care," said Brannon.

Brannon said his claim has been rejected by the Gulf Coast Claims Facility, even though he says he's filed the proper paperwork.

Wednesday, claims czar Ken Feinberg released the criteria used for who gets what. He says people are required to establish both actual financial loss and the connection between the loss and the oil spill.

Brannon says he hasn't worked in months and it is because of the oil spill.

Brannon's father, Phillip is in the same boat. He runs a crab picking shop in Bayou La Batre.

"It's been tough. After Katrina it picked up but for the last couple of years it has been tough," said Brannon's father.

The Gulf Coast Claims Facility expects a gradual economic recovery in the next two to three-years.

Feinberg said that was used to determine just how much to pay oil spill victims in final settlements.

Here's what the experts came up with:

A final payment offer will be worth double your documented 2010 losses.

Oyster harvesters will be offered four times their documented 2010 losses.

But Brannon doesn't buy this calculation.

"I'd like to talk to Feinberg myself. There are a few things I'd say to him," said Brannon.

Instead, Brannon can leave his comment on the GCCF website and hope it reaches Feinberg.

"The two week public comment period is designed to promote transparency. I've been criticized for not having an open enough process. This is designed to deal with the transparency problem," said Feinberg.

The Brannon's say it isn't the only problem.

The BP oil spill has not only taken a financial toll on local residents, it's taken an emotional one too.

Project Rebound wants you to know it is here to help.

Mental health providers said following the BP oil spill, the first cry for help in southern Mobile County came from children.

Children in school and daycare are questioning the events happening around them.

"There was a rise in domestic violence and substance abuse, that type of thing. Project Rebound tried to answer that call for help," said Tonya Fistein, with Project Rebound.

It acts as a resource pointing people in the right direction for help.

"Our goal is to meet their immediate needs and help with food, then can help with emotional needs as well," said Fistein.

Most Bayou La Batre residents said coping with oil spill has been tough.

"A lot of pressure wondering what's going to happen," said Frank Johnson.

Johnson is from a long line of commercial fishermen.

"At my age not near as much of a concern as if I were 35 to 40-years-old. That's people need to be concerned," added Johnson.

Many people have turned to the Gulf Coast Claims Facility for financial help.

It's getting the emotional help that's more difficult, but not for lack of availability.

"The Bayou isn't a tourist town. It is full of hardworking people, many aren't use to asking for help," said Fistein. "We tell them, walking through the door is the hardest part."

But a needed step to start the road to recovery.