NEW ORLEANS, Aug. 9 (UPI) -- BP said Monday it had made an initial deposit of $3 billion to its $20 billion fund for victims of the massive oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
The international oil giant had promised to make the first payment by Sept. 30 but did so earlier "to demonstrate its commitment to meet its pledge to restore both the livelihoods of those affected by the oil spill and the environment," the company said in a statement.
"We indeed intend to stand behind our commitment to (spill victims) and to the American taxpayers," said incoming Chief Executive Bob Dudley, who is leading BP's gulf restoration efforts. "Establishing this trust and making the initial deposit ahead of schedule further demonstrates our commitment to making it right in the Gulf Coast". UPI
