Governor Kulongoski: Address's Salmon-Fishing Closure-Hopes To Minimize Economic Damage To Coast

Newport, Oregon - Governor Ted Kulongoski hosted the "Ocean Salmon Emergency Summit II" Friday in Newport, and reported that state government has mobilized an array of agencies and resources to help fishers idled by the recent federal closure of the commercial salmon season.

The Governor has also ordered measures to soften the economic harm the closure will inflict on coastal communities.

"The State of Oregon can provide a safety net," the Governor told a crowd that included fishers, state and local officials, representatives of the fishing industry, congressional staff and state legislators. "We can ensure that no one will fall through the cracks during this difficult time."

Following the first Salmon Summit held in Salem on March 28 Summit, the Governor urged US Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez to begin an economic assessment toward declaring a "fishery resource failure" under the Magnuson Stevens Act, which would pave the way for Congressional action and federal assistance to coastal communities.

"I called on Secretary Gutierrez and Interior Secretary [Dirk] Kempthorne to come to Oregon as soon as possible to talk with us about how we can quickly address the Klamath Basin issues that caused this problem," the Governor said. Federal water management policies in the Klamath Basin have damaged salmon runs, state officials say, which led the Pacific Fishery Management Council and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to recommend closure of the commercial salmon season off Oregon's coast and restrictions on recreational ocean salmon fishing.

The Governor reported that he issued an executive order on April 26, declaring an economic disaster and a state of emergency for Oregon's coastal counties. In that executive order, he directed state agencies to shift their attention to the Oregon coast, and to develop a plan for helping families in need.

"Today, I have prepared a letter to the President, asking for a federal disaster declaration, which will trigger financial disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support economically displaced salmon trollers," the Governor announced.

In addition, he has directed the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board to request more than $2.0 million from the Legislative Emergency Board to bring help to the coast immediately in the form of watershed restoration work and salmon research. The money will provide temporary work opportunities for members of the fleet, the Governor said. "Temporary work, but important work," he added.

In addition to providing temporary jobs, the Governor has directed state agencies to take the following action:

Where possible, seek to hire qualified ocean fishing industry workers affected by this emergency, consistent with the law and collective bargaining agreements. The Governor issued this directive, which remains in effect for one year, in an executive order on June 1.

Establish a more direct link to the fishing industry, so that state services will reach those who need them.

Promote more tourism and recreational fishing on the coast, so visitors can dine on Oregon-caught salmon and enjoy the unique natural beauty of Oregon's coastal towns. Visitors will spend money in the local economies, and in doing so, will help stimulate business activity and protect jobs, the Governor said.

"Our congressional delegation will continue to work hard to secure federal funds in the current budget and in future budgets," the Governor said.

State legislators who represent coastal communities, known as the "Coastal Caucus", will work with the Emergency Board to find appropriate avenues for direct assistance, he said.

"Finally, I have asked state agencies and the Legislature to search the Oregon Statutes to find every possible means of providing direct cash assistance to the fleet," the Governor said.

"As soon as the authority to do so is identified, I will do whatever I must do to provide that assistance."

Addressing representatives of the fishing industry, the Governor voiced disappointment that Congress has not yet responded to strong efforts by Oregon's congressional delegation to provide direct financial help to out-of-work fishers.

"I didn't come here today to whitewash the harsh reality of the difficulty you face," he told them. "I am here for exactly the same reason we assembled on March 28. I came to ensure that the government does not forget you, and that Oregon does not forget you.

"I came to sharpen our focus on our shared objective, providing short- term relief and long-term sustainable assistance, while we improve Klamath River runs so that you can return to the livelihood you have worked so hard to build."

Oregon Governor To Address Salmon-Fishing Closure-Hopes To Minimize Economic Damage To Coast