Rep. Bonamici Emphasizes Economic Benefits to Region after House Reauthorization of Estuary Program

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01) emphasized the environmental and economic benefits to Oregon from the House’s reauthorization of the National Estuary Program, which funds important habitat restoration work and other projects in and around the lower Columbia River estuary.

“Fishing, trade, and research depend on the lower Columbia River estuary, and I’m glad that Congress passed the legislation to protect this valuable resource. The National Estuary Program achieves the important goals of supporting the health of the river, a vital economic engine, while also putting our community to work,” Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici said.

The lower Columbia River estuary is one of 28 estuaries recognized as nationally significant. The Environmental Protection Agency distributes funds from the National Estuary Program to community-based organizations that serve each of the 28 estuaries. In the Pacific Northwest, the Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership oversees the distribution of the federal funds and works with local stakeholders on projects to improve salmon habitat and water quality while educating community members about the ecological importance of the estuary.

According to the Partnership, every dollar of federal funding from the National Estuary Program generates nine dollars of economic activity in the region. This year, the partnership received $538,000, resulting in more than $5 million in economic activity in Oregon and Washington.

“This program is a strong economic stimulus for our region,” Congresswoman Bonamici said. “It creates jobs in construction, biology, and engineering, and it contributes to the sustainability of our fragile ecosystems. Since 2000, the Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership has leveraged its federal funds to complete nearly 200 projects to restore more than 20,000 acres of federal lands. It is an effective and efficient program that I am committed to preserving.”

The bill awaits passage in the Senate.

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