Good News from Washington, D.C.
By Laura Blackmore, Executive Director
Earlier this month, I traveled with over 70 of our partners in Puget Sound and salmon recovery to Washington, D.C., where we met with federal decision-makers for Puget Sound Day on the Hill and Salmon Days on the Hill. We had meaningful conversations with members of Congress about the work we do here to restore and protect Puget Sound and our salmon. In the wake of such a successful trip, I have three pieces of wonderful news to share!
First, Congressman Derek Kilmer, in collaboration with the chair and ranking member of the House Interior-Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, was able to increase the funding in the House Appropriations bill from $28 million to $33 million for the Puget Sound Geographic Program for Federal Fiscal Year 2020. He specifically cited our advocacy during Puget Sound Day on the Hill and Salmon Days on the Hill in his remarks during the committee mark-up earlier this week. Our hard work, time, and energy are paying off! There’s more work to do before the budget is final but this is a great place to start.
The second piece of good news is that Congressmen Heck and Kilmer have introduced the PUGET SOS bill into the House. You can read all about it here.
The third piece of good news is that the House Appropriations bill also includes an increase in funding for all National Estuary Programs nationwide to $750,000 each, again thanks to Congressmen Kilmer and Heck.
I want to extend a big thank all of our partners for participating in Puget Sound Day on the Hill and Salmon Days on the Hill last week! It was a great way to begin my tenure as Executive Director and I’m energized for the work ahead.
Thank you for your passion for Puget Sound and salmon recovery. This work is complex, and the solutions aren’t always easy, but victories like these keep us going and your dedication and consistency make all the difference.
