U.S. Sen. Gordon Smith, R-Ore., introduced a bill Thursday calling for $81 million in emergency disaster assistance for West Coast salmon fishermen.
It is the third bill introduced in the past week in the House or Senate that aims to provide direct relief. So far, a request by Oregon politicians for a disaster declaration on the West Coast has gone unanswered by the U.S. Department of Commerce.
Smith's legislation would have the $81 million given to the Pacific Fishery Management Council for distribution to fishermen, fish processors and associated businesses. Cities or towns that experience losses from reduced fish landings could also receive the direct aid.
The federal government is considering whether to follow a recommendation from the council that would mostly shut down commercial salmon fishing this year from Monterey, Calif., to Manzanita because of imperiled runs of Klamath River fall chinook salmon.
On Tuesday, U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Barbara Boxer, D-Calif. and Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., introduced a bill that would provide $81 million to fishermen and $45 million to improve fish habitat on the Klamath River in Oregon and Washington.
Last week U.S. Reps. David Wu, Peter DeFazio, Darlene Hooley and Earl Blumenauer, all Oregon Democrats, along with Democratic members of the California congressional delegation, introduced a companion bill in the House to Wyden's bill.
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