(Washington,
D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray was presented with the 
annual “Esther
Stefaniw Memorial Award” from the Upper Columbia River Salmon Recovery Board
(UCRSRB). This award is given in honor of Esther Stefaniw, a founding member of
the UCSRB and Chelan County Commissioner, to recognize individuals that have
made significant contributions to the restoration of viable and sustainable
populations of salmon, steelhead, and other at-risk species through
collaborative, economically-sensitive efforts, and wise resource management of
the Upper Columbia region.
“I’m
deeply honored to receive this award because in Washington state, salmon are a
part of our heritage,”
said Senator Murray. “That’s why I’m committed to ensuring that
salmon recovery programs have the resources and tools they need to address this
issue that is so important to our culture and economy.”
Last
year, Senator Murray led a successful bipartisan effort to save the Pacific
Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund from potentially devastating cuts, securing $80
million in funding for the program, a portion of which went to the Washington
State Salmon Recovery Board to improve and restore salmon populations. The
funding was included in the fiscal year 2010 Senate Commerce, Justice, and
Science Appropriations Bill.
“We
deeply appreciate Sen. Murray’s leadership on salmon recovery issues,” said Okanogan City
Commissioner and UCRSRB Board Member Bud Hover, who presented the award. “Her
track record of success in securing funding for the Pacific Coastal Salmon
Recovery Fund has ensured on the ground results in salmon recovery efforts and
added jobs during this difficult economic time.”
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