Claims representative meets with local officials

MOBILE, Ala.(WALA) - The administrator chosen to oversee the new oil spill claims process visited Mobile Wednesday.

Patrick Juneau gave an update on how the claims process is going since he replaced Kenneth Feinberg earlier this year.

Juneau is asking victims of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill to trust him with their claims. 

But after thousands of people were let down under the previous administrator, he may not win them all.

"Faith left a year ago,” said small business owner Tracey Redding.

Congressman Jo Bonner said Juneau understands people's hesitation.

“He understands that there was a damage; a lot of damage done. I believe he is here to help correct some of the flaws of earlier processes and try to make sure everybody that is eligible, everybody who thinks they are eligible, has another opportunity to have their voice heard,” said Bonner.

Juneau did have some good news for oil spill victims.

"There is a ton, a ton of claims that were declared ineligible under the prior process that according to my reading of the settlement, are eligible in this process,” said Juneau.

If you were turned away before, there is a chance you could still receive settlement money.

Juneau said tourism businesses are a good example of a possible eligible claim.

"Retail stores, hardware stores, anything that qualifies under the federal stand of tourism, and there are hundreds that fall in that category, become eligible claims,” said Juneau.

Juneau said the claims continue to move smoothly with the help of 18 new facilities that opened in June.

As of August 1, 2012, over 42,000 claims have been filed in the Gulf Coast Region. Alabama has 6,840 claims filed which translates to 16 percent of the overall claims.

Juneau said since August 1, 454 Claimant Determination Letters sent to Alabama citizens for $18,255,000. 

Determination letters are the first step in the payment process.

Although money is being disturbed, Juneau would not give a definite timeline for those waiting for their settlement.

"If someone is looking to say, ‘Pat, will you tell me on the 5 of June that I will get my payment?’ I’m not giving you that false expectation,” said Juneau.

Redding said she's still waiting for money from her 2010 claim.

"We need some more solid answers other than, ‘We will get to it when we can get to it,’” said Redding.

Juneau said his administration is processing claims as quickly as it can.

Redding hopes it comes sooner than later.

"Wait and pray. And pray it comes quick enough and pray that I have enough to make it until payments come. And I’m not sure I do,” said Redding.