(The Center Square) – Three members of Congress from Oregon recently announced the federal government is providing the state with nearly $5.5 million for coastal climate resilience projects and restoring fish habitats.
U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Oregon, and U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle, D-Oregon, made the announcement.
The money comes from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s National Coastal Resilience Fund. The Fund supports coastal resilience and fish and wildlife habitat improvement nationwide.
“Our waterways and fish are the lifeblood of the Northwest, particularly coastal communities,” Merkley said. “This critical federal support will prepare our region to better withstand more frequent extreme weather events caused by climate chaos. These projects will help strengthen natural infrastructure while also enhancing habitat for fish populations, including our beloved coho salmon and other native fish species.”
Wyden expressed a similar sentiment.
“Protecting Oregon’s coastal wetlands, floodplains, and estuaries not only helps fight the devastating effects of climate change but also helps increase resiliency of coastal communities against extreme weather,” Wyden said. “This investment is a big win for Oregon’s coastal communities, and I will continue to support successful programs proven to help protect and restore our bountiful coastal habitat.”
Plus, Hoyle said the funding will be especially beneficial in her district.
“I’m glad to see federal funding supporting the Wild Salmon Center and the McKenzie River Trust’s work to restore and protect estuaries and wetlands on the Oregon Coast,” Hoyle said. “These projects on the Alsea, Coos, Siletz, and Siuslaw rivers in Oregon’s Fourth Congressional District will reduce flood risk for coastal communities and increase habitat for salmon and other native fish species. This is a prime example of how we can effectively support coastal resilience and preserve Oregon’s natural beauty as we combat the challenges of climate change.”
The Wild Salmon Center in Florence and Coos Bay is the biggest recipient. It is receiving $3,791,657.49.
“Extreme weather events threaten human lives and infrastructure, public and private properties, and ecosystems due to the increased severity and frequency of storms,” a release said. “Wild Salmon Center will increase climate resilience in the Coos and Siuslaw watersheds through nine restoration projects that will result in 257.5 acres of restored floodplain and 7.47 miles of restored instream habitat. The project will reduce flood hazards in coastal communities by reducing peak flows and slowing water velocities, improve water retention and quality, and recover economically vital salmon populations.”
Meanwhile, the McKenzie River Trust will receive $1,012,692.18 for the Siuslaw River’s estuary and watershed near Florence, Oregon.
“Coastal communities and habitats are under increasing threats from coastal hazards, such as sea level rise, storm intensification, and other environmental stressors,” the release said. “The McKenzie River Trust will advance final design and permitting to restore the tidal exchange within the currently flow-restricted areas on four properties in the Siuslaw River’s estuary, increasing the availability and protection of vital rearing and feeding habitat for coho salmon and other native fish species. The project will finalize designs to restore a total of 500 acres over the next four years that will enhance the estuary’s ability to absorb the increased sea level impact of storm swells, king tides, and flooding.”
Additionally, the Wild Salmon Center will receive $651,021.88. It is in Nehalem, Lincoln City, Waldport, and Alsea, Oregon.
“Flood hazards pose a serious risk to urban areas, emergency road infrastructure, and vulnerable rural communities on the Oregon coast,” the release said. “Coastal resiliency to sea level rise and climate change depends upon conserving estuaries and wetlands through restoration of key ecological processes and functions including hydrological connectivity, nutrient cycling, and sediment transport. Wild Salmon Center will create final designs and secure permitting for five wetland systems across three watersheds in Nehalem, Siletz, and Alsea estuaries on the Oregon coast. The project will result in fully designed plans for 249 acres of floodwater storage, seven fish passage improvements across four miles of stream, and the restoration of 30 freshwater wetland acres and 219 acres of tidal wetlands to mitigate flood hazards, reduce erosion, and restore habitat for salmon.”
