Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Westmoreland, has asked Gov. Bob McDonnell to petition the federal government to help Virginia's struggling seafood processors.
"As you know, the Gulf Coast oil spill has resulted in significant fishery closures in the Gulf States that have directly impacted the Virginia seafood industry," the letter states.
It goes on to mention a recent study that estimates the state's oyster industry has lost $11.6 million and shed 146 jobs since the spill occurred.
Wittman, whose districts includes the heart of Virginia's oyster industry, made the request after touring two seafood processing plants last week. He asks McDonnell to seek a fishery disaster declaration from the U.S. Department of Commerce.
To read the rest of the story, please go to: The Daily Press (Newport News, VA).
