SPANISH FORT, Ala.—Oil spill claims czar Kenneth Feinberg has assured state and local leaders at least 25 percent of all outstanding Alabama claims will be addressed no later than March 31.

At least one local representative contends, however, that Feinberg’s actions must prove at least as strong as his words.

“As we approach the one year anniversary of this tragedy, we cannot rest until we obtain the fullest extent of relief possible for the innocent victims who live in Alabama,” said U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner after receiving Friday Feinberg’s assurances the Gulf Coast Claims Facility will improve the process.

In addition to boosting the turnaround time for processing pending claims, Feinberg has also pledged to:

• Expand staffing at claims offices in Baldwin and Mobile counties.
• Provide the names of local, independent accounting firms available to review and assist claimants in preparing claims documentation. Any fees incurred as a result of the assistance can also be submitted to the claims facility as a reimbursable expense.
• Provide contact information for Alabama claims team members should additional information on claims status be needed.
• Improve responsiveness and efficiency by channeling the Alabama claims through a singular contact at both the state and federal levels.
• Maintain on-site claims facility accountants to field claimant questions regarding claim determination calculations.
• Bonner joined Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley and Lt. Gov. Luther Strange in a March 4 conference call with Feinberg during which the claims czar also identified three accounting firms and six attorneys available to assist claimants navigate the claims process.