Patrick-Murray Administration to Distribute $1.2 million in Disaster Relief to Shellfish Industry

WHAT:

Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles will announce that the Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) has started distributing approximately $1.2 million in federal disaster assistance to Massachusetts commercial shellfishermen who lost income due to red tide-related red tide shellfish area closures last year. In 2008, 39 coastal communities were affected by red tide closures, leaving shellfish harvesters with an estimated economic loss of $1.2 million. On September 4, 2008, Governor Deval Patrick formally requested federal disaster assistance to help the affected communities, and, in May 2009, the request was approved.

WHO:

Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles
Chris Adams, representing U.S. Congressman Bill Delahunt
DFG Commissioner Mary Griffin
DMF Shellfish Program Chief Mike Hickey
Local Shellfish Harvesters
Senator Robert O’Leary
Representative Sarah Peake

WHEN:

Monday, September 21
Time: Noon

WHERE:

Muddy Creek
Harwich

DIRECTIONS:

From Boston: Take 93 South 9.3 miles to exit 7 (on the left) for Route 3 toward Braintree. Keep left at the fork to continue toward Route 3 South for 42.3 miles. Continue on Route 6 East and follow signs for Route 6A/Sagamore/Hyannis/Route 6 for 30.1 miles. Take exit 11 for Route 137 toward Chatham/Brewster. Turn left at Brewster-Chatham Road/Route 137 and continue for 1.1 miles. Slight left onto Brewster-Chatham Road. Then turn left on Orleans Road. Turn right on Bay Road and continue for 1.3 miles. Turn right at Route 28/Orleans Chatham Road and continue onto Route 28. Turn right at Artbutus Trail and right on Bee Lane.