March 11th, 2011 5:46 AM

Editorial: Use the $16 million wisely and ask for more

Published: Thursday, March 10, 2011, 5:42 AM

 

THE $16 million BP has given the state for tourism promotion is a lot less than the

$50 million local officials had requested. That’s disappointing.

But the Alabama Coastal Development Commission can see to it that the state spends the money wisely over the next three years to bring in tourists, even as officials request more money.

We can see why the mayors of Orange Beach and Gulf Shores — cities devastated by the oil spill — would call the amount of the grant an “insult” and a “joke.” BP is giving the state only about a third of what it asked for, with the money spread over three years instead of two.

It’s important to remember who was responsible for the oil spill that caused the problem, and who suffered its catastrophic effects: BP was the owner of the well that blew up nearly 11 months ago, and Orange Beach, Gulf Shores and Dauphin Island were 

economically devastated as a result.

Virtually an entire tourist season was lost to the oil spill — not because of the oil itself, but because of the distorted national image the spill created for this area.

A million or more visitors stayed away last year because they imagined the beaches were covered with crude, even though that was not the case at all.

In reality, most of the beaches on the Gulf were — and are — beautifully white. They continue to be cleaned regularly to make sure that any tarballs that wash up are immediately removed.

Meanwhile, scientists say the local seafood is safe to eat.

But those facts have yet to take hold in the minds of many Americans.

This is why it’s so important for BP to pitch in and help restore the coastal tourism industry. It’s the least the oil giant can do. Moreover, it must continue to send cleanup crews to the scene when tarballs wash up.

The $16 million brings the company’s total support for tourism to $38 million. A portion of the earlier grants was used to fund free concerts on the coast. The concerts were wildly successful.

It’s not clear yet what state tourism officials will do with the new money — advertising, or more concerts, or both.

Fortunately, they’re going to be drawing on the advice of those who work and live in this region. The Coastal Development Commission is made up of tourism, business and government leaders from the two-county area.

While the $16 million grant is sure to help spark interest in Alabama’s beaches, the mayors from Orange Beach and Gulf Shores are right: It’s not nearly large enough. The state can and should request more money.

In the meantime, spring break is here, and summer won’t be far behind.

Alabama’s beaches are ready and waiting for visitors, so let’s get the word out — quickly.

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