Group of lawmakers request disaster declaration for Southeast fishermen

Declaration would allow eligible fishermen to receive federal aid to offset pandemic-struck fishing season

SITKA – Five members of the Alaska State Legislature addressed a letter to Governor Dunleavy requesting for a disaster declaration for all eligible species of salmon
in the region. Signed by Representatives Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, Sara Hannan, Dan Ortiz, Andi Story, and Senator Jesse Kiehl, the letter underscores the difficulties facing fishermen, including poor returns, drops in prices, and reduced economic opportunities
caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Between the historically poor salmon returns and the COVID-19 related market crash, this fishing season, like so many things in the year of 2020, has been absolutely
terrible,” said Representative Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (D-Sitka). “I urge the Governor to declare a disaster after the season comes to a close so that those affected can receive
federal aid in the most timely fashion possible.”

Attached: October 1 letter addressed to Governor Michael Dunleavy, DCCED Commissioner Julie Anderson, DMVA Commissioner and Adjutant General Torrence Saxe,
and DF&G Commissioner Doug Vincent-Lang