| 6/2/2006,
|
(AP) — NEWPORT, Ore. — Gov. Ted Kulongoski promised fishing communities Friday that the state will provide them further assistance to cope with the closure of salmon fishing along the seacoast.
"The state of Oregon can provide a safety net," the governor told a crowd gathered for a meeting in Newport. "We can ensure that no one will fall through the cracks during this difficult time."
The governor has pushed for a number of assistance measures. He declared a state of emergency for coastal communities. And on Friday he sent a letter to President Bush asking for a federal disaster declaration, which would trigger federal financial assistance.
Kulongoski directed one state agency to request more than $2 million from the Legislative Emergency Board to bring temporary jobs in the form of watershed restoration work and salmon research. He said he is asking other state agencies to hire ocean fishing industry workers whenever possible. He also wants to promote tourism and recreational fishing on the coast.
"I didn't come here today to whitewash the harsh reality of the difficulty you face," Kulongoski said. "I came to ensure that the government does not forget you, and that Oregon does not forget you."
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Source: http://www.oregonlive.com/newsflash/regional/index.ssf?/