From: http://www.oilvoice.com/GoM_Contracts_Aim_to_Help_Fill_Strategic_Petroleum_Reserve_/847.htm
These contracts demonstrate MMS's continuing commitment to maximize taxpayer assets, improve government efficiencies and enhance our nation's energy security by filling the Strategic Petroleum Reserve," said MMS Director Johnnie Burton. With these latest contracts, MMS will take its oil royalties in kind (oil), rather than in value (cash), from offshore federal lease operators and deliver it to onshore oil market centers where DOE will take custody of the oil. DOE, in turn, will exchange the RIK oil for oil of suitable quality that can be delivered to SPR storage sites located in Texas and Louisiana.
Hummm... Heck of a deal! Date is Friday, August 15, 2003, and that makes it a good deal under W's watch...
MSNBC reporter reprorting from Biloxi that the coastline has moved about 2 miles in. Says the storm surge must have been "incredible."