Feinberg discussing future pay for spill fund work

NEW ORLEANS – The administrator of the $20 billion compensation fund for Gulf oil spill victims and BP are discussing how much he will be paid for his services in the months ahead.

A spokeswoman for Ken Feinberg confirmed Tuesday the talks are happening. But she declined to say whether the Washington attorney is seeking a raise from the $850,000 a month his firm has been receiving.

That fee amount was valid through Saturday. Feinberg's contract with BP states that the two parties would discuss future fees on a quarterly basis. It also says that BP must approve any subcontractors Feinberg hires as part of the claims process.

A rig explosion last April off Louisiana killed 11 workers and led to 200 million gallons of oil being released from BP's well a mile beneath the Gulf of Mexico.