Justice Department Orders Audit of GCCF

More than a million claims. Almost 6 billion dollars paid to oil spill victims and still a lot of questions about how the Gulf Coast Claims Facility operates.

Congressman Jo Bonner believes now we may get some answers. "I believe at the end of the day they will take very seriously the challenge of looking at how Ken Feinberg's operation has done its work and see what we believe are major discrepancies."

Congressman Bonner ask for the audit in June. Today a letter from the Department of Justice confirms an audit will be conducted by BDO Consulting.

Among the Department of Justice concerns: improper handling of documents, unnecessary delays and inconsistent payments. Complaints Bonner says he has heard many times. "Two little businesses that sale the same product, across the street, using the same accountant, one got 10 percent, one got 60 percent. Something doesn't smell right."

Coastal mayors aren't sure an audit is the answer. Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft was unavailable for an on-camera interview but tells News Five he doesn't see the benefit of an audit unless it provides relief for coastal businesses by reversing percentages of some of the amounts paid.

Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon shares those concerns. "First off, I don't trust anybody so I'm concerned the audit has to be independent so that we can honestly say the truth was brought out."

In a statement released this afternoon GCCF administrator Kenneth Feinberg said "As we have said all along, we welcome an independent audit. We are working with the Department of Justice and will work with BDO Consulting on the audit."

The audit is expected to begin after the first of the year and will be overseen and directed by the Department of Justice.