Ranker announces $167 million for coastline and natural areas restoration

From the office of State Senator Kevin Ranker:

Today, [July 1] US Commerce Secretary Gary Locke announced the distribution of $167 million by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) to help restore coastlines and natural areas across the country, including $16.4 million for projects in Washington – many of which are in our communities here in the 40^th district.

“I’m excited about these investments in the health of Puget Sound and the surrounding watersheds.  These efforts will restore critical habitat while creating and sustaining green-sector jobs in our jobs in our communities.”

“These investments underscore the importance of the Puget Sound Partnership’s Action Agenda.  Having a scientifically vetted plan for Puget Sound recovery has made us a national model.  These funds will invest in projects that will be key steps in protecting and restoring the Puget Sound eco-system for years to come.”

“We owe great thanks to Sen. Murray, Sen. Cantwell, and Rep. Larsen for their efforts to make sure these important investments were made in our area.”

Local area projects include:

• Removing derelict fishing gear from Puget Sound
• Restoring the tidal connection for the Nooksack River at Smuggler’s Slough [Skagit County]
• Help salmon and restore the floodplain for Hansen’s Creek [King County]
• Restoring freshwater marsh at Fisher Slough [Skagit County]