$5B Proposal for Salmon Restoration Aimed at Addressing Tribal Lawsuit
April 3, 2025 | 1 min to read
A group of state lawmakers has proposed an additional $5 billion for salmon recovery projects linked to a long-standing tribal fishing rights lawsuit in Washington State. This funding would be sourced through special bonds backed by an existing tax on public utilities, which has raised concerns among local governments. The salmon recovery bonds, anticipated over 13 years, aim to finance the replacement of culverts blocking spawning salmon and other necessary habitat restoration efforts mandated by a 2013 federal court injunction.
A group of state lawmakers proposed spending an additional $5 billion for salmon recovery projects stemming from the state’s long-running tribal fishing rights lawsuit.
The proposal would be funded by special bonds backed by an existing tax on public utilities that currently funds local public works projects — a reshuffling that has local governments concerned.
The salmon recovery bonds, expected over 13 years, would pay for replacing Washington State Department of Transportation culverts that block spawning salmon, among other habitat restoration efforts under a 2013 federal court injunction.
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