Regulators urge banks to make loans to Gulf oil spill victims

WASHINGTON – Regulators are urging banks to make loans to creditworthy people and businesses whose livelihoods have been hurt by the Gulf Oil spill.

The agencies say: "Banks can help customers recover financially and be better positioned to honor their obligations."

They add that these efforts can also contribute to the health of local communities.

The agencies making the plea include federal regulators, such as the Federal Reserve and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., along with the Conference of State Bank Supervisors.