March 15, 2007

WASHNIGTON, D.C. -- Congresswoman Anna G. Eshoo, D-Palo Alto, today applauded the decision of the House Appropriations Committee to approve $60.4 million in emergency disaster relief for those along the coasts of California and Oregon who were affected by the 2006 Klamath River salmon fishery disaster, the largest commercial salmon fishing disaster in U.S. history.

"I have been fighting, along with my California and Oregon colleagues, to secure this funding since last year," Eshoo said. "Earlier this year, we asked Speaker Pelosi and the Appropriations Committee to provide this funding, and I'm pleased that they have responded to our request."

The full House of Representatives will vote on this funding next week as part of the larger Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act.

On August 10, 2006, Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez declared a commercial fishery failure from Point Sur, California, to Cape Falcon, Oregon, which all but eliminated the commercial salmon fishing season for more than 1,000 commercial salmon fishermen due to poor salmon returns along the Klamath River.

Early salmon return data indicate that fishing will likely remain closed for the 2007 season, further compounding the economic impact to fishing communities.

"I will continue to do everything I can to ensure that this funding is approved by the Congress and signed into law," Eshoo said.

Read more about the Klamath River salmon fisher disaster.