Oregon lawmakers urge Trump admin to unlock funds for 'catastrophic' fishery disaster

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A group of Democratic Oregon lawmakers are calling on the Trump administration to release $7 million in authorized funding meant to address Oregon’s "catastrophic" fishery disaster.

In a June 11 letter, led by Senator Jeff Merkley, lawmakers urged Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought to review and approve a spending plan that's been resubmitted by the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission.

Lawmakers said the funding is "critical," to help Oregon's ocean fishermen recoup lost funds amid declining salmon populations after a fishery disaster was declared for Oregon Chinook salmon for 2018, 2019 and 2020.

According to the lawmakers, the PDMFC resubmitted their spending plan for funding allocated by the U.S. Department of Commerce in October; however, their final application "has gone without response" from the Trump administration.

“Oregon salmon and salmon fisheries are an invaluable cultural, economic, and ecological resource in our state. Salmon are highly valued by Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest for cultural, subsistence, and economic benefits,” the lawmakers wrote.

The Democratic coalition added that the impact salmon loss has had on Oregon’s economy “cannot be understated,” noting Oregon’s commercial fishing industry drives more than $640 million in economic activity every year, equivalent to 9,200 jobs.

The letter was signed by Sen. Ron Wyden, and Representatives Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Andrea Salinas (OR-06), Maxine Dexter (OR-03) and Janelle Bynum (OR-05).

KOIN 6 News has reached out to Oregon Republican Congressman Cliff Bentz (OR-02). This story will be updated if we receive a response.

KOIN 6 News has also reached out to the Office of Management and Budget.