The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) developed a spending plan for $40 million in federal relief funding for industry members impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The funding is part of an additional $255 million in federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding approved by the U.S. Congress that followed an initial $300 million appropriation, of which Washington state received $50 million, last summer. This second round of funds is in addition to the $50 million Washington received previously. The current allocation includes $30 million for all federally recognized tribes in coastal states and the Great Lakes and $15 million for Great Lakes states.
View the spend plan
The spend plan for the second round of CARES relief funding for industry members impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic is available below. It contains information about the period of eligibility and industry members who may be eligible.
While the spend plan has been approved, Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission has not opened the application period. Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.
June 8 virtual public meeting recording
Thanks to everyone who joined us to share their feedback and questions about this second round of CARES relief funding. View a recording of the meeting on YouTube.
View meeting presentation (PDF)
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries recently approved the spend plan (PDF), under CARES Section 12005, which the State will be updating for this round of funds.
More information
For questions or inquiries related specifically to Washington’s Sec. 12005 CARES Act Fisheries Assistance relief please email WACares@psmfc.org or call toll-free: 1-866-990-2738. If you have the ability to email, you may receive a quicker response due to the large volume of calls anticipated to be received.
PSMFC started distributing the first round of relief funding in early August 2021.
Additional resources on CARES ACT Assistance to fisheries participants are listed below.
• Information from NOAA Fisheries
• Spend plan guidance from NOAA Fisheries (PDF)
• Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission website with information on CARES ACT assistance to fisheries participants.