[StBernard] Oil Spill Claimants Cleared for Road Home Eligibility

[Westley Annis]

Oil Spill Claimants Cleared for Road Home Eligibility


Baton Rouge, LA -- The Division of Administration today announced that an estimated three to four thousand Chalmette area homeowners have received court approval of a settlement between themselves and Murphy Oil Company, clearing the way for compensation from the Road Home recovery project. 

Homeowners in a class action suit claimed damages from an oil spill which originated from the Murphy Oil Company facility days after the passage of Hurricane Katrina. 

Federal prohibitions against "duplication of benefits" cast some doubt as to eligibility of the affected homeowners in the state Road Home program which compensates for storm damages. This week's court approval of a settlement between the homeowners and Murphy Oil has cleared the way for affected homeowners to receive Road Home benefits. 

Commissioner of Administration Jerry Luke LeBlanc says the homeowners in question "will be getting a letter from the Road Home in the next few days which will detail their eligibility in the Road Home project." 

Some homeowners in the area immediately adjacent to the source of the oil spill will be able to choose from buyout offers from either Murphy Oil or the Road Home. But all homeowners within the court approved spill zone may choose from the entire range of Road Home compensation options. 

According to Commissioner LeBlanc, "I know the Governor took a personal interest in this situation and even appeared at court to speak on behalf of the homeowners, we are all pleased that storm recovery benefits can now be delivered to these homeowners." 


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