12-11-2018
OLYMPIA, Wash. — State government awarded nearly $18 million for salmon recovery projects across the state, with the most money going to projects in Skagit County.
Projects include a $205,000 grant for the adding of log jams to the South Fork of the Nooksack River, overseen by the Lummi Nation, and a $1 million grant to the Seattle City Light for purchasing more property to conserve the Skagit Watershed Habitat.
The Washington Salmon Recovery Funding Board awarded the grants Monday in an effort to bring the iconic fish back from the brink of extinction.
The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office says about 75% of the funded projects will benefit Chinook salmon, which make up a large part of the southern resident orca whale diet.
Whatcom County is set to get about $437,000.
Salmon recovery projects include removing fish passage barriers like culverts and improving salmon habitat.
Governor Jay Inslee said in a statement, “Together we’re taking a step forward for salmon, and in turn dwindling southern resident orca whales, while also looking back to ensure we’re preserving historic tribal cultural traditions and upholding promises made more than a century ago.”