Washington Gov. Gregoire’s Condemns Bush Administration Decision To Slash Federal Help To Fishers

Bush administration plans to cut funding by $70 million

June 12, 2008 -- OLYMPIA – Washington Governor Chris Gregoire today issued the following statement on the Bush administration’s plan to shrink federal funding set aside to help Pacific coast salmon fishing families and small businesses:

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“I am angered and deeply discouraged that the Bush administration would even consider reducing the emergency aid dedicated to Pacific salmon fishers. This action represents complete disregard for the thousands of families who rely on a strong salmon season for their livelihoods.

“Pacific coast salmon fishing families have suffered long enough. This is the second time in the past three years that the federal government has declared a fishery failure for coastal salmon fishing. This has resulted in drastic cutbacks on fishing to preserve stock, or has led to the complete closure of the fishing season.

“The salmon industry is fragile, and I am extremely concerned for the families and small businesses already affected by the decline of salmon stocks. The economic loss to Washington, Oregon and California combined is expected to total nearly $300 million and result in the loss of more than 4,000 jobs.

“Both the U.S. House and Senate overwhelmingly approved $170 million to assist struggling salmon fishers. I now implore the president to listen to the families and communities that have been affected and to keep the original emergency funding intact.

“I also urge the Bush administration to stop turning its back on the coastal fishing industry, and focus on developing a long-term solution to restore and maintain salmon stocks, so that salmon fishing families and small businesses won’t need federal emergency funding in the future.”

Source: Washington Governor