MONTGOMERY—Gov. Robert Bentley today announced a $16 million grant to fund the promotion of Gulf Coast tourism. The tourism grant comes as a result of negotiations between the governor’s office and BP.

“Alabama was hardest hit of all the Gulf Coast states by last year’s BP Oil Spill, Gov. Bentley said. “Alabama will use these funds to promote tourism so our Gulf Coast communities can begin to recoup the losses suffered since the disaster.”

The $16 million grant is specifically designated for promotion of tourism for Baldwin and Mobile counties, the two counties hit hardest by last year’s loss of tourism following the oil spill.

As part of the agreement, Lee Sentell, director of the Alabama Department of Tourism, will administer the grant funds with the aid of the Alabama Coastal Development Commission (ACDC), an advisory commission formed for such purposes. The ACDC will develop, implement and plan the tourism promotion program and advise Sentell.

“We greatly appreciate Gov. Bentley’s leadership in getting this BP grant program expedited,” Sentell said. “The funds will allow us to encourage visitors to return to Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, and Dauphin Island this summer.”

Sentell continued: “We already have a marketing plan prepared and this grant will get the Alabama Gulf Coast back on the radar screen of potential visitors. We have been using the last part of the BP grant from last May to market the beach destination for spring break which is now underway.”

"BP is very pleased to be working cooperatively with Gov. Bentley and the state to provide this critical investment,” said Gulf Coast Recovery Organization Executive Vice President Luke Keller. “To date, BP has voluntarily provided $38 million to support Alabama tourism. We commend Gov. Bentley for his leadership."