Florida university researchers will receive $10 million from BP to fund the ongoing academic research into the Deepwater Horizon oil disaster, Congresswoman Kathy Castor announced today. Castor met with BP executives this week to convey the request in person following her written request to BP a week ago for $100 million for Florida’s State University System and consortium under the Florida Oceanography Institute. When she met with BP officials on Wednesday, she urged the oil company to fund Florida’s academic research because the need for data collection and analysis are immediate.

“We must understand the impact of the oil pollution from the Deepwater Horizon disaster.  Florida colleges and universities have the tools to do the job but need the resources,” Castor said. “The funds rightfully come from BP and not the taxpayers of Florida. An infusion of $10 million is a good down payment, but we will continue to fight for the full $100 million. Floridians will be dealing with the complex impacts of the oil disaster for years to come, and our academic community will be working double-time to understand the consequences of this tragedy.”

BP has pledged $500 million for academic research. Florida universities, including the University of South Florida, need additional funding to continue their data collection and analysis. The $100 million requested will be used for research personnel, vessels, infrastructure, better modeling and data systems, pre-spill and post-spill impact assessment and ecosystem remediation.