Heck and Kilmer to Host Rep. DeFazio in Tacoma to Highlight Cleanup Initiatives for the Puget Sound
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The co-founders of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus, Representatives Derek Kilmer and Denny Heck, will host Representative Peter DeFazio in Tacoma to highlight cleanup initiatives for the Puget Sound on Friday, April 11 at 1:30 p.m. This will be the first trip Rep. DeFazio is taking to learn more about the challenges facing the Puget Sound as Ranking Member of the House Natural Resources Committee.
The members will visit with regional leaders at the Puget Sound Partnership’s office in Tacoma and get updates from stakeholders on efforts to preserve the health of the Puget Sound. The Sound helps drive $20 billion of economic activity in Washington state and includes 3 national parks along with wildlife refuges and 68 state parks.
Representative Kilmer said, “I grew up appreciating the opportunities to fish, to dig for clams, and to hike along the shores of the Sound. I want my daughters to have those experiences too. Like many folks in our state, I see Puget Sound as a central part of our regional identity – of who we are. But for many people this is about their livelihoods -- from the shellfish growers whose products are nationally renowned to the businesses that have thrived because visitors to the Sound stay in our communities. That’s why it’s so valuable that Ranking Member DeFazio will see firsthand why protecting this extraordinary asset is important.”
Representative Heck said, “Not everyone is fortunate enough to have the beauty of Puget Sound in their backyard. We need to invite and include our colleagues so they can recognize the future of the Puget Sound as a national priority. This is an opportunity for Ranking Member DeFazio to hear from stakeholders from all over our state about the tremendous role Puget Sound plays in our economy, national defense and tribal communities.”
Representative DeFazio said, “The Puget Sound is a critical economic engine, not just for Washington state, but the entire Pacific Northwest. I look forward to joining Reps. Kilmer and Heck for the day, to learn more about their good work to preserve family wage jobs, boost economic activity, and protect and improve the health of the Sound.”
Representatives Heck and Kilmer co-founded the Congressional Puget Sound Caucus last year to reflect their commitment to preserving the Puget Sound. The caucus is the only Congressional working group devoted exclusively to promoting Puget Sound cleanup efforts, and builds on the legacy left by former Congressman Norm Dicks, a longtime advocate for the health of the Puget Sound.
The caucus continues to be focused on promoting the three region-wide Puget Sound recovery priorities: preventing pollution from urban stormwater runoff, protecting and restoring habitat, and restoring and re-opening shellfish beds.
Representatives Jim McDermott, Adam Smith, Rick Larsen, and Suzan DelBene also signed up as charter members of the Puget Sound Recovery Caucus.
WHO: Representative Derek Kilmer (WA-06)
Representative Denny Heck (WA-10)
Representative Peter DeFazio (OR-04)
WHERE: Puget Sound Partnership Offices
326 East D Street
Tacoma, WA 98421
WHEN: Friday, April 11, 2014 at 1:30 p.m.
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