Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, led a request this week for $65 million to support the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund, which is vital to improving salmon habitats in the Pacific Northwest. In a letter to House appropriators Larsen and 11 other members from the West Coast asked for continued funding to support recovery of Pacific salmon, a critical species for the Northwest’s economy and environment. Larsen led a similar and successful request for FY2014 funding.

The text of the letter follows:

March 31, 2014

The Honorable Frank R. Wolf, Chairman
The Honorable Chaka Fattah, Ranking Member
Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies
Committee on Appropriations
H309 Capitol
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representatives Wolf and Fattah:

We are writing to thank you for including $65 million in the recently approved Omnibus Appropriations bill for the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund (PCSRF), and to assure you that these funds are being put to good use in restoring a vital resource in our states.  We ask you to continue this support by providing $65 million for this successful program in FY 2015. 

Your support for this program has resulted in impressive accomplishments in local and state salmon recovery efforts.  A true partnership between the federal government, states, localities and private citizens has helped to catalyze thousands of restoration and conservation projects in the region.  Under PCSRF, the National Marine Fisheries Service provides competitive funding to the states of California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Idaho, and Nevada, and tribes of the Pacific Coast region to implement habitat restoration and recovery projects that contribute to the sustainability of the species.

Over the evolution of this program, NOAA Fisheries Service, states, tribes and local project managers have developed an integrated approach to track progress, measure performance, and ensure accountability.  This program directly supports jobs and provides economic benefits to the communities throughout the region. Continued commitment, collaboration and resources are required to achieve the overarching goal of full recovery and sustainability.

The restoration and protection of our fisheries resources are vitally important to our economies, our states, and to the nation.  This is a challenging endeavor and we appreciate your continued support for PCSRF.

Sincerely,

Rick Larsen
Member of Congress

Don Young
Member of Congress

Peter DeFazio
Member of Congress

Jackie Speier
Member of Congress

Adam Smith
Member of Congress

Kurt Schrader
Member of Congress

Jim McDermott
Member of Congress

Suzanne Bonamici
Member of Congress

Suzan DelBene
Member of Congress

Earl Blumenauer
Member of Congress

Denny Heck
Member of Congress

Derek Kilmer
Member of Congress

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