House Gives Final Approval for Salmon Disaster Relief and Rural Schools Funding

Today, the House of Representatives passed a bill that included emergency funding for the 2006 Pacific salmon fisheries disaster, rural schools and several other top-priority domestic needs. This is the final version of the emergency supplemental funding bill; after approval from the Senate, it will be sent to the president for his signature.

The funding for the Pacific salmon disaster and rural schools was strongly championed by North Coast Congressman Mike Thompson because they are critically important to the 1st Congressional District. Specifically, this bill will provide $60.4 million for California and Oregon's commercial salmon fishing industry, a provision introduced by Thompson. It will also provide $425 million for schools in rural schools and counties nationwide, including Del Norte, Humboldt, Lake and Mendocino Counties.

"The Pacific salmon disaster and our seriously underfunded rural schools are exactly the type of emergencies these supplemental bills were meant to fund," said Thompson. "Our rural communities deserve this funding, and I urge the president to sign this legislation."

Both the Pacific salmon fisheries disaster and the funding owed to rural schools were neglected by the previous Majority in Congress, which failed to pass nine of 11 appropriations bills. Since then, rural communities in the 1st Congressional District have struggled without the much-needed funding. The lack of relief for the salmon industry has strained the entire North Coast economy. Additionally, it has been difficult for schools within the 1st Congressional District to maintain the programs and staff their students rely on.

"Last year's commercial salmon fishing closure was the largest in U.S. history and was declared a federal emergency by the Secretary of Commerce," said Thompson. "Yet the previous Majority in Congress did nothing to help the thousands of fishermen, tribes and businesses in desperate need of aid. The funding we approved today will help get these families and businesses back on their feet."

"Our local schools desperately need this funding," added Thompson. "Investing in our students is one of the best ways to ensure our communities stay strong. These schools already qualify for the funding under the law, and this bill makes sure they finally get it."

The rural schools funding goes to areas with large amounts of federally-owned land. The federal land does not generate local property tax, so these areas qualify for federal in-lieu tax payments for schools and roads.

This is the third time the House has voted in support of this funding this year. However, this time, the president has indicated that he will not veto the legislation.

CONTACT: Anne Warden, (202) 225-3311, (703) 338-4480 or anne.warden@mail.house.gov.