Oregon – Oregon’s congressional delegation is putting more pressure on the federal government to act quickly on long-overdue help for the state’s commercial salmon business. Senator Jeff Merkley, together with Senator Ron Wyden and Representatives Suzanne Bonamici, Val Hoyle, Andrea Salinas, Maxine Dexter, and Janelle Bynum, is asking the Trump administration to release more thatn $7 million in disaster assist that was approved but never received.
The funding—$7,050,722—was earmarked to help Oregon’s fishing industry recover from a nationally declared fishery disaster affecting Chinook salmon in 2018, 2019, and 2020. Even though the money was set aside years ago and the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission submitted a new plan in October to support it, the funds are still in limbo.
Oregon lawmakers wrote a letter together to Russell Vought, the head of the Office of Management and Budget, asking for a quick assessment of the Commission’s updated proposal. It’s been months since anyone responded, and coastal towns are still waiting.
“Oregon salmon and salmon fisheries are an invaluable cultural, economic, and ecological resource in our state,” the delegation emphasized.
They talked about how important salmon is not only for Oregon’s economy, but also for the cultural and food needs of Native American tribes in the area.
The state’s commercial fishing industry brings in more over $640 million a year and supports about 9,200 jobs. The salmon industry isn’t only a way of life for many small towns on the Oregon coast; it’s also a key part of their existence. Lawmakers cautioned that prolonged delays threaten to worsen the damage already done by years of decreasing fish populations.
“Additionally, the commercial salmon industry is a significant economic driver for rural communities on the Oregon Coast, generating millions of dollars in economic output. Sadly, our salmon fisheries have faced significant obstacles over the last decade which have resulted in significant fishery declines,” the lawmakers wrote.
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The delegation also urged Director Vought for more information about the progress of the application in their letter. In particular, they want to know if they need more information to move the request along and if the Office of Management and Budget will promise to assess the proposal and give out the money right now. They asked for an official answer by August 1.
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As the fishing season presses on and communities continue to wait, Oregon’s leaders are making one thing clear: the time for action is now.
Full text of the Oregon delegation’s letter can be found HERE.
