Press Releases
Larsen Leads Efforts To Invest In Pacific Salmon Recovery
Washington, DC,
March 24, 2016
Rep. Rick Larsen, WA-02, today led the call for a minimum of $65 million to support the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund, a critical source of investment for salmon habitat restoration in the Pacific Northwest. In a letter to House appropriators, Larsen and 11 other members from the West Coast requested continued funding to support recovery of Pacific salmon, a linchpin for the Northwest’s economy and environment. Larsen has successfully led similar requests the previous three years. Past support for the program has resulted in “impressive accomplishments,” the members wrote in their letter. “As of last year, PCSRF grants have funded 11,500 projects to restore more than 1,031,000 acres of essential fish habitat and improved more than 10,000 miles of streams for fish passage. Recent analyses also suggest that on average 17 new jobs and $2.3 million in additional economic activity result for each $1 million investment of PCSRF and state matching funds,” the members wrote. “The restoration and protection of our fisheries resources are vitally important to our economies, our states, and to the nation.” Full text of the letter follows. A link to the letter is available here. March 23, 2016 Dear Chairman Culberson and Ranking Member Honda: We ask you to maintain funding for the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund (PCSRF) by including a minimum of $65 million in the Fiscal Year 2017 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Appropriations bill. Your past support for this program, including the $65 million that was included in last year’s Omnibus Appropriations bill, has resulted in impressive accomplishments in local and state salmon recovery efforts that are essential to the ecosystem of the Pacific Coast. A true partnership between the federal government, states, localities and private citizens helps catalyze thousands of restoration and conservation projects in our region. Under PCSRF, the National Marine Fisheries Service provides competitive funding to the states of Washington, California, Oregon, 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. As of last year, PCSRF grants have funded 11,500 projects to restore more than 1,031,000 acres of essential fish habitat and improved more than 10,000 miles of streams for fish passage. Recent analyses also suggest that on average 17 new jobs and $2.3 million in additional economic activity result for each $1 million investment of PCSRF and state matching funds. 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 Adam Smith Member of Congress Denny Heck Member of Congress Jackie Speier Member of Congress Suzanne Bonamici Member of Congress Peter DeFazio Member of Congress Jerry McNerney Member of Congress Jim McDermott Member of Congress Earl Blumenauer Member of Congress Sam Farr Member of Congress Suzan DelBene Member of Congress ### |