WASHINGTON, DC Thursday, May 15, 2008—U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science, today announced that $75 million will be included in the Fiscal Year 2008 Emergency Supplemental Appropriations bill to aid the struggling fishing industry around the nation.
“As a result of the volatile 2005 hurricane season and the drought that continues to plague the southeastern United States, Alabama fisheries have taken a significant economic and ecological hit,” said Shelby. “These recent events, compounded with high fuel prices and increased restrictions on the fisheries, have created a cumulative effect that has shrimpers and fishermen struggling to stay in business. This funding will provide much needed assistance to an industry that is a vital part of the Alabama economy.”
These funds may be used to alleviate expenses related to fishery failures, fishery resource disasters and regulations on the fishing industry.
