(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) announced that 6 projects in Washington state have received a total of $16.5 million from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for habitat restoration. These funds, included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will be used to restore and open habitat for multiple species of endangered salmon, reconnect tidal floodplain habitat, and remove marine debris.
“These recovery projects will help keep our environment clean and our economy moving,” said Senator Patty Murray. “Restoring and protecting our waterways is a priority for Washington state, and I am excited that these projects are receiving federal support."
It is estimated that the six projects will support 115 jobs.
As a senior member of the Senate committees that fund and oversee energy and water development, Murray worked to ensure that investments in the Washington state’s environment and waterways were key components of the Recovery Act. Senator Murray voted to pass the Recovery Act on February 13th. The bill was signed into law by President Obama on February 17th.
Breakdown of funding:
Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Foundation
Project/Funding: Removal of Derelict Fishing Gear in Puget Sound: Remove over 200 metric tons of marine debris, including net removals. (Mt. Vernon)
$4,595,369
The Nature Conservancy
Project/Funding: Fisher Slough Marsh Restoration: Restore 60 acres of the Skagit River floodplain by replace antiquated agriculture floodgates and restoring 15 miles of critical habitat for Chinook, Chum and the endangered Coho salmon. (Burlington)
$5,207,300
Upper Skagit Indian Tribe
Project/Funding: Hansen Creek Floodplain Restoration: Excavate and reconnect 140 acres of forested floodplain habitat and install woody debris for endangered Chinook, Coho and Steelhead salmon. (Milltown)
$988,915
Tulalip Tribes of Washington
Project/Funding: Qwuloolt Estuary Restoration: Restore 350 acres of wetland to fish passage for Chinook salmon on the lower Snohomish River and its surrounding tidal floodplain by remove levees, excavating channels and planting native vegetation and trees. (Marysville)
$2,000,000
Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe
Project/Funding: Elwha River Floodplain Restoration: Restore the floodplain of the lower Elwha River through the removal of dikes and culverts, re-vegetation and invasive species control. (Port Angeles)
$2,003,653
Lummi Nation
Project/Funding: Smuggler’s Slough Nooksack River Restoration: Raise a roadway and reconnect tidal exchange for 490 acres of Smuggler’s Slough channel that will flow to a restored salt marsh and eelgrass habitat in Lummi Bay. (Bellingham)
$1,733,803
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