Newport News: Second round of financial assistance available to qualified Oregon salmon fishers

Second round of financial assistance available to qualified Oregon salmon fishers

Newport News-Times

November 1, 2006

The Oregon Department of Agriculture is preparing to distribute a second round of financial assistance funds for commercial troll salmon fishers along the Oregon coast as part of a continued effort to assist those impacted by restrictions on this summer's salmon harvest.

An additional $500,000 was approved by the Oregon State Legislative Emergency Board to support the commercial troll salmon fleet following an initial disbursement of $500,000 from Governor Kulongoski's Strategic Reserve earlier this year.

The new round of funding is targeted to help meet the infrastructure expenses that have been or will be incurred this year, regardless of whether a vessel is fishing or not. ODA officials emphasize the $500,000 is a limited amount of money that does not address all of the legitimate needs of fishermen or their families.

ODA has streamlined the process for distributing the funds. Eligible fishers will not need to submit receipts this time. A letter has been sent to all Oregon commercial troll salmon permit holders to explain the second round of funding. Copies of a Request for Contact Information Form are included in the mailing. Those fishers who submitted an application during the initial round of funding are not required to submit the Request for Contact Information Form. ODA already has their information on record.

The deadline for submitting the Request for Contact Information Form by those who did not apply during the initial round of funding is Nov. 9. No late forms will be considered. ODA hopes to distribute the second round of funding during the latter part of November.

For more information, contact the Oregon Department of Agriculture at 503-986-4552.