On August 11, New Jersey Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-06) announced that NOAA Fisheries approved New Jersey’s spending plan for $9.5 million in federal aid for New Jersey’s commercial and recreational fishing industries.
“I am pleased that another round of federal funding will be delivered to New Jersey’s fishing industry,” Rep. Pallone said in a press statement, adding “This is another step in the right direction to ensure our region’s fishing businesses and their families get the assistance they need to withstand the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent economic storm.”
Rep. Pallone helped secure the funding as part of the omnibus and coronavirus relief bill Congress passed and was signed into law last December. This is the second round of federal funding Congress has allotted to help fishing communities during the coronavirus pandemic.
“NJDEP welcomes this new funding for New Jersey’s fishing communities and our critical seafood industries that have been impacted by the ongoing pandemic,” said New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Shawn LaTourette. “Not only a vital part of New Jersey’s economic engine, our fisherman and the communities they support remain a key part of who we are as a State,” LaTourette added.
Throughout the pandemic, Rep. Pallone fought for fair distribution of federal funding for New Jersey’s fishing community while helping secure more than $11 million for in federal funding for New Jersey from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, which allocated $300 million in fisheries assistance. In March, Pallone held a press conference with fishermen in Belford to highlight the first round of aid delivered to New Jersey’s fishing communities and the importance of the fishing industry to the state’s economy.
“NJDEP is incredibly grateful to Congressman Pallone and the New Jersey delegation for fighting so hard to lift us all up out of the pandemic together,” said LaTourette.
For more information about CARES Act funding in the state of New Jersey go to www.njfishandwildlife.com/cares_info.htm
