(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) announced that she has included $2.4 million in federal funding to help tribes in Washington state support natural resource management and safety. The funding Murray provided was included in the Senate Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill which passed the Appropriations Committee today. Senator Murray is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
In the past, this funding had been provided by Presidential administrations of both parties. However, under President Bush’s recent budget proposals, the funding has been eliminated. Senator Murray has stepped forward to restore the funding so that tribes can continue to play a key role as partners in protecting Washington’s natural resources.
"Washington tribes play a critical role in protecting and managing our natural resources," Murray said. "The Bush Administration tried to eliminate this funding, but I’ve fought to restore it because I know our tribes need a seat at the table and a voice in the process as we work together to address our natural resources challenges."
The funding Murray secured includes the following:
Timber-Fish-Wildlife Program (for tribes statewide) -$1.74 million
This funding, distributed statewide to tribes and the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission, will enable tribes to continue as partners in the Timber-Fish-Wildlife (TFW) Agreement of 1987. Specifically, it will enable tribes to monitor the effectiveness of various salmon recovery efforts and provide the data that is critical for a successful, consensus-based adaptive management program. The funding supports the Washington Forests and Fish Report, which helps stakeholders work together to solve problems, protect salmon, wildlife and other species, and provide for the economic health of the timber industry.
Lake Roosevelt Management to Protect the Grand Coulee Dam – $350,000
This funding enables both the Spokane Tribe and the Colville Tribe to continue to employ law enforcement officers to patrol Lake Roosevelt to enforce federal and tribal health and safety laws. These patrols have become increasingly important since the September 11th terrorist attacks, as the Grand Coulee Dam is considered a “high-value” terrorist target. Lake Roosevelt Management/Enforcement funds play a direct role in protecting public safety by ensuring that a key access point to the Grand Coulee Dam remains secure.
Since 1990, the tribes have been responsible for managing and ensuring the security of their respective portions of Lake Roosevelt within the exterior boundaries of their reservations. This funding helps the tribes meet that responsibility.
Upper Columbia United Tribes – Natural Resource Management – $315,000
Tribes Affected: Colville Confederated Tribes, Kalispel Tribe, Spokane Tribe, Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Kootenai Tribe
This funding will pay for one position at each of the five tribes and two positions at the Upper Columbia United Tribes office to help the tribes meet unfunded federal mandates in the management of fish and wildlife habitat protection, restoration, and population management.
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