NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — September 13, 2012 — The U.S. Commerce Department has declared a national fishery disaster in New England, opening the door for tens of millions of dollars in relief funds for fishermen, Sen. John Kerry announced this morning.
Kerry said he's secured a commitment from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to include $100 million for fishermen and fishing communities in emergency assistance legislation. He said the job after Monday's declaration is to fight for the money in a potentially reluctant Congress.
John Phillips, legislative director for Kerry, told The Standard-Times this morning that the farm disaster assistance bill will likely come to a Senate vote during the lame duck session following the elections in November.
Should it be approved, he said, the assistance will be processed in three to six months, possibly less depending on the perceived urgency.
Kerry said the $100 million request includes direct aid and funds to improve fishery science. Kerry said that the money will likely be included in a farm disaster bill that is pending in the Senate.
Read the full story at the New Bedford Standard Times.