July 1, 2020 — Communities on the Oregon coast could see sorely needed investments from an infrastructure bill now in Congress.
Jean Flemma, director of the Ocean Defense Initiative, said COVID-19 has hit the economies of coastal communities hard, with many fishing-related businesses losing their markets.
“A lot of fishermen themselves have found that they are having a hard time making ends meet — making their boat payments, etc.,” she said, “and in addition, coastal tourism — hotels were shut down, restaurants have been shut down.”
The Moving Forward Act would create a $3 billion program to invest in coastal restoration projects. U.S. Reps. Suzanne Bonamici and Peter DeFazio, both D-Ore., are sponsoring the bill. The House is expected to vote on the bill today.
Flemma said restoration work on Oregon’s coast would help restore streams, coastal wetlands and tidal areas that are crucial for the habitats of salmon and other fish species. She said the work would have immediate benefits for the habitat itself.