Applications accepted for drilling moratorium fund

Oil rig workers struggling because of a federal moratorium on new deepwater drilling in the Gulf of Mexico are being urged to apply for money from a $100 million fund set up by BP.

The Louisiana charity running the program, the Gulf Coast Restoration and Protection Foundation, says rig workers can call 1-866-577-8141 or apply online at www.gcrpf.org.

Grants are limited to those who worked on the 33 rigs affected by the moratorium. Applications are being taken until Sept. 30.

The applications will be graded against each other. Grant checks ranging from $3,000 to $30,000 – depending on financial hardship – will be mailed in October.