The US Department of Commerce will direct nearly US$132 million to Alaska for fishery disasters that occurred between 2018 and 2018.
Alaska Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan said the funds, which were appropriated by Congress, are part of a total of $144 million that will be disbursed nationwide for this purpose.
“I’m pleased to announce this crucial funding is finally on the way for Alaska’s seafood industry. After facing both serious fishery disasters and the pandemic, there are owners, employees, families, and entire communities in our state who can now breathe a little easier,” Murkowski said.
“Going forward, I will be pushing for further assistance, to help guarantee that Alaska’s industry can keep their operations up and running and continue to provide fresh, healthy seafood at home and around the globe.”
Sullivan added, “These disasters have had a widespread impact across our state – devastating many of our coastal and river-based communities, fishermen, and Alaska Native subsistence users. While these federal dollars won’t make these Alaskans and their families whole, they will go a long way toward providing much-needed relief.”
