Printer
Friendly Version
Wyden, Smith
Prepare $81 Million Support Package
for Salmon Fisherman
April 27, 2006
Washington, DC – U.S. Senators
Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Gordon Smith (R-OR) have introduced legislation
that would provide $81 million in emergency disaster assistance
for Oregon and California fishermen impacted by restrictions placed
on salmon fishing.
"Fishermen on Oregon’s
coast are facing a bleak salmon season this year, and that’s
on top of a bad season last year. Doing nothing just isn’t
an option,” Wyden said. “This emergency assistance
will address the immediate financial needs of our coastal fishing
communities that depend on salmon for their livelihoods.”
“Salmon fishermen are part
of the backbone of the Oregon economy,” Smith said. “Supporting
the fishermen impacted by the restricted salmon season will help
sustain the coastal economy and ensure a paycheck is available
to put food on the table. It will be an uphill battle to pass
the legislation into law, but Senator Wyden and I are going to
do everything we can to support the fishermen.”
Under Smith and Wyden’s legislation,
$81 million would be provided to the Pacific States Marine Fisheries
Commission to be distributed to those in coastal communities that
have been declared to be in a state of emergency as a result of
the limited salmon fishing season. The assistance would be available
tax free – to fishermen, fish processors and businesses
(such as cold storage facilities, ice houses, and docks) supporting
the fishing industry. Cities or town that experiences a loss in
fish landing fees or revenue related to the fishing industry are
also eligible.
The number of naturally spawning
Chinook salmon in the Klamath River is expected to fall short
of the set goal of 35,000 for the third straight year. Earlier
this year, federal fish managers recommended closing down a 700
mile stretch of coastline to salmon fishing. The U.S. Department
of Commerce is expected to announce soon on what areas will be
closed to salmon fishing this summer.
Senators Smith and Wyden have been
working with fishermen and coastal officials to draft the assistance
package. They are going to work to secure assistance as soon as
possible.
# #
#