WASHINGTON, D.C.—A bipartisan bill to invest in estuary restoration that Reps. Rick Larsen, WA-02, and Frank LoBiondo, NJ-02, introduced was signed into law on Friday by President Obama. The legislation reauthorizes the National Estuary Program (NEP) through 2021, funding local efforts to restore and protect sensitive estuaries and their wildlife. Larsen hailed the bill’s signing into law as a bipartisan effort to keep our environment healthy.

“The President signing this important legislation will ensure local communities can continue protecting and restoring estuaries. This is a major victory for clean water and healthy habitats today and long into the future.

“The Puget Sound is the second largest estuary in the country, and the Pacific Northwest depends on it for a healthy environment and a strong economy. Unique habitats where rivers meet the ocean support many species of fish, birds and other wildlife. Healthy estuaries also sustain economic activity like fishing, tourism and outdoor recreation.

“I thank Representative LoBiondo for working with me to make sure this important legislation which benefits our environment and economy crossed the finish line,” Rep. Larsen said.

Larsen has a long record of support for restoring local estuaries, like the Qwuloolt Estuary Restoration Project. When finished, this project will be one of the largest tidal marsh restoration projects ever completed in Washington state.

Funding from the National Estuary Program, which is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency, supports the comprehensive plan for Puget Sound recovery through the Puget Sound Partnership.

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