Rep. Herrera Beutler helps restore Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund

Centralia — The U.S. House Appropriations Committee on Thursday passed Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler’s amendment to restore $65 million to the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund, which provides critical funding for recovery projects to improve wild salmon and steelhead habitats across the region.

Herrera Beutler’s amendment brings funding back to last year’s levels after the President Obama’s budget proposed slashing the program by more than 23 percent, Herrera Beutler’s office said.

The Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund improves habitats in Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska, Idaho and Nevada.

The recovery fund has started more than 11,800 projects, providing fish passages and restoring wetlands that contribute to the health and recovery of the species.

“Salmon and steelhead have a historical significance to our region and are vital to the livelihood of coastal communities, tribes, and fisherman throughout the West,” Herrera Beutler said Thursday while speaking to the House committee. “These funds increase economic activity both on and off the water. This means jobs – family wage jobs.”

Herrera Beutler’s amendment provides $15 million in savings in other areas of the budget to offset the increase in PCSRF funding, her office said.

The bill passed through committee Thursday and is scheduled to come to a vote before the House by the end of May.