The Obama administration this morning declared the Northeast groundfishery to be a disaster.
The declaration clears the first hurdle in making financial aid available for the industry and affected communities.
The decision was made nearly 10 months after Gov. Deval Patrick filed socio-economic studies showing the industry failing in Massachusetts.
And since then, a series of developments accelerated the decline. But with the 112th Congress wrapping up activities before the presidential and congressional elections, it will be difficult to get an appropriations bill passed.
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine an Rhode Island have asked for $100 million in aid.
We will update this story here at gloucestertimes.com as more information becomes available.
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