Oil spill money could come in January

Noaki Schwartz

NEWPORT BEACH -- The American Trader Trustee Council began discussions

this week on precisely how a $16-million oil spill settlement will be

distributed among the four government agencies most affected by the

disaster.

“I am so glad this long process is finally reaching an end. It’s taken a

lot of people and a lot of hours to get to this point now,” said

Councilwoman Jan Debay, who represents Newport Beach on the panel.

The American Trader oil tanker punctured its hull on Feb. 7, 1990,

spilling more than 400,000 gallons of oil off the coast of Huntington

Beach. The spill killed wildlife and damaged public beaches. Portions of

Newport and Huntington Beach were closed for more than two months.

The county, the state departments of Parks and Recreation and Fish and

Game, as well as representatives from Newport and Huntington Beach,

formed a group of trustees and sued the owner of the tanker. Nearly 10

years later, in August, they won a $16-million settlement.

Newport Beach hopes to get between $4 million and $5 million, Debay said.

City staff reviewed various projects in need of funding and compiled a

list that was presented to the trustees for consideration, said Robin

Clauson, assistant city attorney.

The trustees will meet again in January, when Debay hopes they will

finally determine the exact dollar amounts to be distributed to each

agency.

FYI

Projects submitted to the American Trader Trustee Council by the city of

Newport Beach, in order of importance:

1. Rehabilitating Balboa Pier.

2. Rehabilitating Newport Pier.

3. Improving the lifeguard headquarters’ structure and equipment.

4. Rehabilitating the public restroom facilities at Balboa Pier, 15th

Street, Newport Pier, 58th Street and Orange Street.

5. Replacing parts of the boardwalk and its deteriorated street lights.

6. Remodeling the beach concession and restroom buildings at Corona del

Mar State Beach.

7. Replacing the deteriorated concrete access walkways at Balboa

Peninsula with new asphalt walkways.

8. Acquiring another surf rescue boat.

9. Acquiring another machine to clean storm drains.

10. Building a marine educational facility at Shellmaker Island to teach

local students about marine wildlife and how to help protect the tide

pools at Little Corona State Beach.