Clallam County commissioners reviewed a request for a county letter supporting a state supplemental request to replace delayed federal funding for the county's Marine Resources Committee (MRC).

Rebecca and Bruce presented the request at the Aug. 4 work session. A presenter explained that the MRC normally receives a mix of federal and state funds; federal funds that were expected to start Oct. 1 have been delayed and the Northwest Straits Commission director is pursuing an Ecology 2026 supplemental decision package to backfill the gap. "If the funding is not backfilled ... we would have to cut it severely," the presenter said, noting potential cuts to a habitat position (50% FTE), the administrative assistant's hours and project work.

Why it matters: Staff said the MRC funds support staff positions and project work that the county and community rely on for habitat and marine-related activities. The presenters asked the board for a letter of support to include in Ecology's decision package; one commissioner suggested a small wording change in the draft letter (reordering "technical support and coordination"). The presenters agreed to revise the draft and return it.

Next steps: Staff said they would correct the wording, circulate the updated letter to the requestor and the board, and proceed with the request. The transcript shows no formal board vote; the matter was handled as a request for a support letter and minor editorial changes to the draft were directed by a commissioner.