Small Businesses Hurt

Many small Gulf Coast businesses could soon be closing their doors if deepwater drilling doesn't increase. An economic impact study by the non-profit "Greater New Orleans, Incorporated," shows businesses that directly or indirectly cater to offshore drilling rigs made it through last year's moratorium.  They did that in part by tapping into BP's 20-billion dollar compensation fund.  However, with permits to drill slow in coming and BP's money running out those companies will suffer.  Group president, Michael Hecht, says only two deepwater permits have been issued since the moratorium ended in October.  That compares to nearly six per month, before the Obama administration shut down drilling in May.  Hecht says the false economy is now going away and the number of unemployed will increase within six months.