New Orleans, La. -
The accolades continue to pour in for a new law that cold pump hundreds of millions of dollars into coastal restoration in Louisiana.
But there are still big questions about how much Louisiana will get, and where it will be spent.
After weeks of the Deepwater Horizon pumping thousands of barrels of oil into the gulf, money in fines from the accident could go to something good.
On the FOX 8 morning show, Senator Mary Landrieu (D-La.) said the Restore Act is a huge victory, and now the fight begins to make sure that Louisiana gets it's fair share.
"Like I say in Washington, we're not sunbathing down here we're running some vital industries. We've got the seventh largest river system in the world, something to protect for the entire nation."
Louisiana's share will be based on fines to be assessed at anywhere from a thousand dollars to $4,300 a barrel.
Environmentalists like Loyola's Bob Thomas says it's important that Louisiana clearly documents all damages. And he believes Louisiana has a leg up thanks to a new coastal master plan that's been hailed as a model of what can, and should be done for the coast.
But while the Restore Act is now the law of the land, the parameters of just how much Louisiana's coast might get, and when it might get it, remains sketchy.
Senator Landrieu doesn't have all the answers either, but predicts Louisiana will greatly benefit.
"It's a shame there are critics. Louisiana would have gotten nothing without the Restore Act, and Louisiana will get the lion's share. Without this act, Washington would have gotten the money and I didn't believe it belonged there."
The money's coming and now the fight begins to make sure Louisiana gets it's fair share.
"I think we will be on pins and needles while we watch this whole thing play out," Thomas said.
The fight to save the coast is on. Environmentalists says it's important that Louisiana sells it's case to the entire nation.
Not all of the BP fine money will go to the gulf coast states. The first $2.7 billion will go into the oil spill liability trust fund.
Much of the remainder of the money will be split among the five states who participate in the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Council.
