Sen. Murray Introduces Bill To Continue Support for  Northwest Straits Commission to Restore Marine Habitats

Sen. Murray helped establish Northwest Straits Commission in 1998 to help restore marine habitats

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) introduced legislation reauthorizing the Northwest Straits Commission in the Puget Sound, to help address local threats to marine environments with projects like restoring shellfish populations, protecting vulnerable ecosystems, and promoting growth for native water and shore-based plants.

The Northwest Straits Commission provides funding, training and support to seven county-based Marine Resources Committees (MRCs) as well as advises local officials on how to best carry out environmental projects and provides expertise to community organizations to help them be partners in their work by, for example, training volunteers to identify forage fish spawning sites.

“I helped start the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative because the health of our marine ecosystems are critical to our communities and our economy here in Washington state,” said Senator Patty Murray. “That work is still absolutely critical, so I’m proud to introduce critical legislation to continue supporting the Northwest Straits Commission. It’s important work to keep our marine habitats healthy and vibrant, and to empower local communicates in the process. Every day in the Senate, I’m laser-focused on ensuring that Washington states’ aquatic habitats—including our salmon populations—are a federal priority, so I’ll keep pushing to get this bill across the finish line as soon as possible.”

The Northwest Straits Commission was established following the bipartisan partnership of Senator Murray and former Congressman Jack Metcalf working together to solve local problems in Washington state. Murray and Metcalf released a report in 1998 that laid the groundwork for the Northwest Straits Commission and its work protecting marine habitats. Over the years, Senator Murray has helped secure tens of millions of dollars in federal funding for the Northwest Straits Commission’s restoration work and research.

The Northwest Straits Commission is part of Senator Murray’s commitment to salmon recovery in the Pacific Northwest. Investing in salmon recovery was a major priority for Senator Murray when negotiating the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which delivered $1 billion for culvert removal, replacement, and restoration; $172 million for the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund (PCSRF); and $207 million for the Coastal Zone Management Program, among other habitat investments. Senator Murray also secured $220 million for a new fish passage at the Howard Hanson Dam in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

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