SHAHEEN, AYOTTE ANNOUNCE RELEASE OF FISHERY DISASTER FUNDS

(Washington, DC) - U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) announced this afternoon that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has released $2.3 million in fishery disaster funds to New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Maine.

“Today’s announcement is good news for New Hampshire’s fishing industry and the entire seacoast region,” said the Senators. “These long-awaited funds are so important for supporting members of the fishing community that have been struggling under onerous federal catch limits. We will continue to work with local, state and federal officials to strengthen New Hampshire’s fishing industry and make sure it remains viable well into the future.”

Earlier this year, Shaheen and Ayotte wrote to Office of Management and Budget Director Shaun Donovan urging prompt action on New Hampshire’s request for federal disaster funds. Shaheen and Ayotte have also led bipartisan efforts to secure disaster relief for New Hampshire fishermen impacted by rigorous catch limit regulations and consequent economic losses. The funds released today are part of a larger allocation of $32.8 million in federal fishery disaster funds for New England announced last year. New Hampshire has received $2 million in federal funds to-date for catch-limit related losses.