News Articles

Republican Leaders Applaud Passage of Oil Spill Recovery Act

WMBB, ABC, Panama City - March 16, 2011

Tallahassee, Fla:The Florida Senate today passed Senate Bill 248, the Oil Spill Recovery Act, promoting economic revitalization following the consequences of the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and the perceptions it caused. Following unanimous support in the Florida Senate, Republican senators praised the efforts of the bill’s primary sponsor Senator Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, and Senator Greg Evers, R-Baker, for serving as clear voices for Northwest Floridians.

“Senators Gaetz and Evers have been passionate and loyally focused on the recovery of Northwest Florida,” said Senate President Mike Haridopolos, R-Merritt Island. “Efforts came to fruition today in the Senate, and we hope the House will see this bill through as well, so Panhandle communities can receive the full support they deserve.”

SB 248 will set aside three-fourths of any settlement or fine money received from BP or the government to benefit the eight coastal counties most affected by the spill – it allocates the largest amount of dollars in the areas which had the most harm. The bill also creates a compact among Gulf Coast states, so they can work together more effectively in the future should another disaster occur.

“I sponsored the Oil Spill Recovery Act to make sure our communities can get the help they need so we can get back on our feet again,” said Senator Gaetz. “This bill provides incentives for companies to come to beautiful Northwest Florida and create jobs.”

The Oil Spill Recovery Act will also:

-    Instate a credit program for submerged land leases which were due during the declaration of emergency related to the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill.

-    Waive, for three years, the Capital Investment Tax Credit requirement that a facility be in a high-impact sector for any otherwise eligible business from another state which locates all or a portion of its business to a Disproportionally Affected County.

-    Authorize the Office of Tourism, Trade, and Economic Development to waive, for three years, any or all wage or local financial support eligibility requirements for a qualified target industry business from another state which locates all or a portion of its business to a Disproportionally Affected County.

“The Oil Spill Recovery Act will make a substantial difference for those affected,” said Senate Majority Leader Andy Gardiner, R-Orlando, following the bill’s passage. “Senators from both sides of the aisle did the right thing to ensure that Floridians are protected and rightfully compensated.”