FEMA says Oregon salmon shutdown doesn't merit disaster relief

July 11, 2008

The federal government has rejected a request for disaster relief for Oregon's coastal communities hit hard by a nearly complete closure of the ocean salmon fishing season.

But that's not the end of the story, said a spokeswoman for Gov. Ted Kulongoski, who made the relief request to the Federal Emergency Management Administration.

Still pending, said Anna Richter Taylor, is a request for $170 million in direct cash payments to those who make their livings fishing for salmon on the coast. That request has been approved by Congress but still awaits President Bush's signature.

"The governor's certainly disappointed" that the FEMA request wasn't accepted, Taylor said. It would have provided small business loans, housing assistance and extended federal unemployment benefits.

FEMA sent a letter to Kulongoski today notifying him that "the effect of the fishery conservation measures is not of the severity and magnitude to warrant a major diaster declaration." Taylor said the governor plans to continue to work with Oregon's congressional delegation to get some financial relief for coastal fishermen.

-- Harry Esteve; harryesteve@news.oregonian.com