Dear Friend,

Our office has received a significant number of calls and e-mails from people all over the country wanting to help or get involved in cleanup efforts for the oil spill in the Gulf.  Also, we are working to stay on top of BP as the situation is assessed and trying to ensure that BP complies with its responsibility to stay involved and assist as many affected Louisiana constituents as possible.  There are two program updates that fishermen and other affected parties need to be aware of.

1. Claims: BP has initiated a program to assist those affected parties who can claim lost wages or other income due to the spill.  Full details of the program are not yet available, but BP has indicated that they want to get restitution into the hands of affected parties.  At minimum, it is important that affected Louisiana families and individuals get a claim number by calling the hotline: 1-800-440-0858.

1. Vessel of Opportunity: We wanted to inform you that BP has established a new Vessel of Opportunity line for those wishing to offer their vessels for service.  The prior e-mail contacts and hotline were overwhelmed by those wanting to help.  The new number is 281-366-5511.  The new e-mail address is HorizonSupport@OEGLLC.com.  Vessel owners will need to provide details about their vessel, including the name, owner, horsepower, length, draft, etc.

Other Pertinent Information:

• To report oiled wildlife, please call 1-866-557-1401 and leave a message. Messages will be checked hourly.

• To discuss spill related damage, please call 1-800-440-0858.

• To report oiled shoreline, please call 1-866-448-5816.

• To request volunteer information, please call 1-866-448-5816.

• To contribute an idea or offer resources to the cleanup efforts please submit all relevant information to horizonresponse@piersystem.com.

• To submit an alternative response technology, services or products please email horizonsupport@oegllc.com or call 281-366-5511.

• For the latest information visit www.deepwaterhorizonresponse.com  or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Oil_Spill_2010 or on Facebook at Deepwater Horizon Response.

• For members of the media needing more information regarding the Deepwater Horizon incident, contact the joint information center at 985-902-5231/5240.

If you're a Louisiana constituent affected by this spill and have concerns that BP is not committing enough resources or providing access to the claims program or the Vessel of Opportunity program, please call our hotline at 1-866-345-0931. If you do not receive an answer at that number, please call my Metairie office's direct line at 504-589-2753.

Sincerely,

David Vitter
U.S. Senator