GKN opens $100 million claims program, holds Garden Grove town hall Tuesday

GKN Aerospace will open a $100 million compensation program and hold a Garden Grove town hall Tuesday, five months after a chemical tank emergency forced about 50,000 residents to evacuate, according to Voice of OC. Claims submissions begin at noon, followed by the community meeting at 6 p.m.

The program addresses financial losses suffered by households and businesses in the evacuation zones. Compensation and safety commitments are part of an agreement resolving a civil case brought by the Orange County district attorney, Voice of OC reported.

The town hall will take place at Delta Hotels Anaheim Garden Grove, 12021 Harbor Blvd. A presentation on compensation, facility changes and safety measures is expected to precede questions and discussions with company representatives, according to Voice of OC.

GKN has promised a community meeting since June. Steve Carlin, the company's senior vice president, has appeared at several City Council meetings to address city leaders. The May emergency involved company-owned chemical tanks that nearly exploded; some residents were displaced for a full week, Voice of OC reported.

Under the claims program, lodging reimbursement generally has a $300 nightly limit for up to five nights, though some circumstances may qualify for more. Meals are reimbursable at $50 per person daily and transportation at $20 per household daily, each for up to five days, according to the publication.

Households can receive $500 for being unable to use their homes, intended to cover expenses including toiletries, clothing, pet care and child care. Workers can claim documented wage losses of $500 a day for up to three days. Businesses ordered to close can seek reimbursement for documented lost profits, with a daily maximum of $5,000.

GKN will also pay nearly $8.5 million toward emergency services and $15 million in civil penalties, Voice of OC reported. Another $1.4 million will fund outside oversight and a seven-year safety and monitoring plan. Carlin previously said the company had enlisted experts and regulatory agencies to review its systems and was making safety improvements.

Final eligibility rules and documentation requirements will be announced when claims submissions open, according to Voice of OC. The program is intended for eligible residents and businesses within the evacuation zones.