June 12, 2006
SACRAMENTO — Senator Sam Aanestad (R-Grass Valley) said
the decision from Governor Schwarzenegger to declare a State of Emergency in
ten California counties impacted by federal restrictions on Chinook Salmon
fishing was “the absolute right thing to do.”
The action taken by Governor Schwarzenegger will provide loans that will help
prevent business failure and widespread layoffs in Northern California
communities dependent upon the fishing industry. Del Norte and Siskiyou
counties are within Senator Aanestad’s District.
“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again; this Governor gets it,”
said Senator Aanestad. “He is responding to the concerns from this office
and other elected leaders who represent the Northern California area and has
taken the appropriate action to save jobs, businesses and prevent hardship for
struggling families.”
The federal government took action last April to
dramatically curtail Chinook Salmon fishing opportunities for both commercial
and recreational anglers due to a third straight year of declining salmon runs
on the Klamath River. While Senator Aanestad understands the restrictions and
supports conservation efforts, he also called for assistance for those
industries that would be most impacted by the federal action.
“If we do not protect and nurture this critical resources industry, then we
risk losing it forever,” said Senator Aanestad. “But we also must remember
our priorities of protecting the public and never lose sight of the fact that
people and families should come first.”
Senator Aanestad said the emergency declaration from Governor Schwarzenegger
will allow the California Department of Finance to offer nearly $10 million in
guaranteed loans to the commercial fishing industry. Businesses that show
proof of hardship from the federal restrictions can receive loans to help
prevent bankruptcy, and keep people employed.
Loans will be made available to businesses within the ten
county area that are directly engaged in the production of Chinook Salmon,
which includes the raising, harvesting, and processing of Chinook Salmon.
Businesses may apply for these loans at Financial Development Corporations (FDC’s)
located in Santa Rosa, Salinas or Oakland.
“The State of Emergency declared by Governor Schwarzenegger is a hand up,
not a hand out for our Northern California fishing industry,” said Senator
Aanestad. “I’m also hopeful that our congressional delegation can convince
President Bush of our need for additional federal assistance.”
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Source: http://www.siskiyoudaily.com/articles/2006/06/12/news/outdoors