U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson’s office announced the Congressman kicked off the 110th Congress by introducing legislation to provide federal disaster relief to California and Oregon’s salmon fishing industry.

According to a news release, the bill authorizes the appropriation of $60.4 million for the fishermen, tribes and businesses that were impacted by the federally designated commercial fishery failure in 2006.

Although similar appropriations efforts weren’t successful last session, Thompson (D-St. Helena) has indicated previously that he is optimistic that the new Democrat-controlled Congress will help steer the country in a new direction.

Ann Warden, communications director for Thompson, said Thursday that Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D­-San Francisco) is “very aware” of the plight of West Coast fishermen and has been very supportive of making Thompson’s salmon disaster relief legislation a priority.

Eleven representatives joined with Thompson to co-author the bill, which also saw companion legislation introduced by Sen. Barbara Boxer in the Senate Thursday.

In a news release from her office, Boxer blamed the Bush administration’s mismanagement of the Klamath River for why coastal communities have already had to wait too long to get the disaster relief they need.

“By introducing this legislation on the first day of Congress, we are letting our communities and families know that getting them financial assistance is a top priority this year,” Boxer said.

Thompson said it is up to the Congress to do everything it can to help the thousands of families and businesses that are suffering from the largest commercial salmon fishery disaster in our nation’s history.

“The devastating impact this disaster has had on California’s North Coast has been obvious for years, and it is time we help bring this important industry back to life,” Thompson said.

Thompson blames the current fisheries disaster, in part, on poor federal management of the Klamath River, which caused an estimated 80,000 adult salmon to die in 2002.

As a result of record low returns of spawning salmon in the Klamath River, the Pacific Fisheries Management Council cut the commercial fishing season by more than 90 percent in 2006 — the largest restriction ever in California’s history — and is also likely to significantly reduced the season in 2007.

Although getting the fishermen and salmon businesses back on their feet is a top priority, Thompson indicated it is also important that the government stays focused on restoring the salmon population in the Klamath Basin to avoid future disasters.

As part of that commitment, Thompson joined with Boxer during the last legislative session in adding an amendment to the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, which sets a six-month deadline for a finalized comprehensive recovery plan for salmon on the Klamath River.