| By office of Rep Peter DeFazio | |
WASHINGTON, DC: Representative Peter DeFazio (D-OR) issued the following statement today following the disaster declaration issued by the federal government for West Coast salmon fishers:
"The administration's announcement is long-overdue but welcome recognition of what has been clear for some time to thousands of fishing families and coastal communities - the vast restrictions on the salmon fishing season have been an economic disaster for Oregon.
"This declaration will help expedite assistance to struggling families. I will work with the administration and my colleagues in Congress on a bipartisan basis to push this aid as quickly as possible through an otherwise gridlocked Congress. The administration's ongoing backing will be important to our success. Today's declaration cannot be the end of their involvement.
"Short-term disaster assistance is critical so that folks can make boat payments, insurance payments, pay mortgages and keep food on the table. It's estimated we'll need up to $80 million to make the fishers and their suppliers and other related businesses whole this year. But we also need to find long-term solutions to improve the health of the Klamath and maintain the fishing way of life."
To contact Rep DeFazio, go to http://defazio.house.gov/ContactMe.shtml