Gov. Gregoire�s statement on West Coast fisheries receiving federal aid

For Immediate Release: September 17, 2008

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire issued the following statement on the immediate distribution of $100 million in federal aid to fisheries in Washington, Oregon and California:

�I am pleased that our struggling Pacific salmon fisheries will begin receiving this much- needed financial help. This action will greatly benefit the thousands of families who rely on a strong salmon season for their livelihood.

�The collapse of this year�s salmon season resulted in the loss of more than 4,000 jobs, and caused an estimated $290 million loss to the economies of Washington, Oregon and California. This caused a tremendous financial burden on fishing families when prices are rising and economic uncertainty continues.

�I applaud the cooperation of the three West Coast states, and thank Congress for recognizing the severity of this year�s fishery failure and its negative impacts on our families. I also thank the National Marine Fisheries Service for quickly mobilizing to see that our struggling families receive this financial help with no delay.

�I now call on the Bush administration to ensure that the additional $70 million approved by Congress is distributed soon. I also continue to urge that the current and future presidential administrations focus on developing a long-term solution to restore and maintain salmon stocks so our salmon-fishing families and small businesses won�t face a similar struggle in the future.�