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Lawmakers back reauthorization of Northwest Straits marine conservation initiative
Summary
Congressional testimony supported reauthorizing the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative to continue locally led marine habitat restoration, invasive species response and volunteer-driven projects in northwest Washington State.
Members of the subcommittee heard testimony supporting HR 2860 to reauthorize the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative, a regional program in northwest Washington that funds locally driven work to protect and restore marine habitats.
Rep. Rick Larsen, the bill sponsor, described the initiative as a bipartisan, community-based program created in 1998 to support county-based Marine Resources Committees and the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Commission. "This is a bottom up initiative completely focused on locally driven priorities, just as it was designed, 27 years ago," Larsen said.
Witnesses and supporters told the committee the initiative supports projects such as shoreline restoration, oyster conservation, derelict vessel prevention and kelp monitoring, and helps sustain jobs in commercial and recreational fishing. Testimony highlighted partnerships among counties, tribes, ports, and local businesses and cited the initiative's record of creating local stewardship capacity.
Rep. Larsen said the bill would permanently reauthorize the initiative and authorize $10 million annually for five years. Supporters noted bipartisan backing in both chambers and urged prompt reauthorization to sustain programs that provide local monitoring, volunteer coordination and habitat restoration.
The committee did not take a vote at the hearing. Members expressed wide support and asked staff to continue coordinating text and follow-up with bill sponsors and regional stakeholders.
