U.S. Rep. Larsen briefed on federal funding cuts threatening Sound Salmon Solutions operations

U. S. Rep. Rick Larsen visited Edmonds’ Willow Creek Hatchery to address impending federal funding cuts jeopardizing local salmon recovery programs. The Trump administration's termination of funding for Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups will impose a $145,000 budget reduction on Sound Salmon Solutions, which raises 80,000 coho salmon annually.

Previously, the organization received $69,000 annually from U. S. Fish and Wildlife to support its initiatives. The hatchery also faces cuts to educational programs in Title 1 schools, further exacerbated by a $24,000 reduction from the State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. Larsen criticized the reallocation of these funds to other federal priorities, such as proposed tax cuts, rather than to restore the budget for salmon recovery.

He intends to document the cuts' impact and advocate for funding restoration. After the briefing, Larsen toured the hatchery and learned about urgent maintenance needs. The cuts threaten to undermine both local fisheries and educational outreach efforts crucial to community engagement.