Second round of rig worker relief grants offered

A second round of financial assistance grants will be offered to offshore oil rig workers who were affected by the federal deepwater drilling moratorium put in place after the BP spill. Employees who were working as of May 6, 2010, in direct support of any deepwater drilling rig that was subject to the federal moratorium are eligible to apply for the grants. This group includes people who worked for offshore supply and offshore support companies. Based on available information, up to 9,000 people may qualify for the grants, which will range from $3,000 to $30,000. Applications will be accepted starting March 15 at rigreliefgrants.com. Workers who believe they may qualify can call (866) 577-8141 throughout May 13, and should be prepared to document pay history, unemployment payments and other information. The grants are being paid out of a $100 million fund created by BP. The Gulf Coast Restoration & Protection Foundation, a Baton Rouge Area Foundation support foundation, will oversee the fund.