The U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee today released a $64 billion disaster assistance bill that includes $150 million for the six states in the Northeast groundfishery and three other states.
The bill's impetus was relief for the superstorm Sandy disaster, but lawmakers have added a variety of other disaster relief measures, including farm drought relief.
After its transformation into a commodity market with trading in catch shares by members of fishing cooperatives in 2010, the groundfishery began disintegrating into economic crisis. The failure was acknowledged by the acting commerce secretary in September, 11 months after Gov. Deval Patrick began petitioning for a disaster declaration.The groundfisheries of Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut and New York were included in the disaster declaration.
The $150 million appropriation covers the impact of superstorm Sandy on the full spectrum of the fisheries of New Jersey and New York, as well as the oyster and blue crab fisheries of Mississippi and the Chinook salmon fishery of Alaska.The disaster assistance for the six states' groundfisheries was made contingent on the creation and delivery of a plan by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for the distribution and use of the money to the House Appropriations Committee within 45 days of the enactment of the host bill.
The disaster assistance bill needs the approval of both houses of Congress and the president's signature before the end of the 112th session of Congress at the end of the year.
For full coverage, look to tomorrow’s print and online editions of the Gloucester Daily Times and gloucestertimes.com.
Richard Gaines may be contacted at 978-283-7000 x 3464, or rgaines@gloucestertimes.com.
Raw: Trucker Bumps I-5 Bridge Before Collapse
Raw: Texas Deputy Shot by Colo. Suspect Honored
Major Detours Following Wash. Bridge Collapse
American Held in Grisly Czech Murders
Raw: Jersey Shore Reopens for Summer
UK-bound Pakistan Plane Diverted, 2 Men Arrested
Officials: Tsarnaev Friend Linked to Slaying
Obama:Sexual Assault Threatens Trust in Military
Bridge Collapse Survivor: 'Rough Day'
Jersey Shore Open for Business
Raw: Memorial Day Flags Placed at Arlington
New Wheelchair Lift Promises More Access
First Person: Mom Discusses Famous Tornado Photo
Raw Video: Washington State Bridge Collapse
Boy Scouts Approve Plan to Accept Gay Boys
