$7.8 Million in Fishery Disaster Funding Set to Arrive in Alaska

Press Release

Nearly two years after the Department of Commerce declared fisheries disasters for the Yukon River, Kuskokwim River and the Upper Cook Inlet Chinook fisheries, $7.8 million in relief funding will soon be distributed to local fishermen. Today, the Alaska Congressional Delegation received notice that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will provide grant funding for the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission to distribute direct payments "to commercial fishermen in the Yukon River and Cook Inlet Regions of Alaska to compensate them for losses incurred from the Chinook Salmon Disaster during 2012."

"Alaskans, especially those living on the Yukon River, Kuskokwim River and Cook Inlet, rely heavily on our fish for basic survival needs," said Congressman Don Young. "Disaster strikes in many different forms, including our fisheries, and we owe it to our people to provide similar relief to those located in other parts of the country. I am proud that Congress recognized the importance of this funding and am pleased to see the process of distribution begin. Thank you to the many groups involved in this undertaking and for the work you did to find an equitable solution to our needs."

"When disaster funding was announced earlier this year, I made a commitment to get this funding to Alaska as quickly as possible," said Senator Lisa Murkowski. "Today, I am proud to see that commitment pay off in order to begin the process of making our fishing communities whole once again. I fought from the beginning to make sure Alaska received its fair share of fisheries disaster funding and believe countless Alaskans affected by the 2012 disasters will now begin to get what they deserve.

Today's grant announcement represents a portion of fishery disaster funding directed to the state of Alaska earlier this year. A total of $20.8 million will be split among subsistence, sport and commercial users in affected area, and will include funding for future fisheries research. The Alaska Congressional delegation worked with the Governor, federal officials, and numerous user groups to equitably distribute the disaster funding.

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