May 8, 2020 — One Louisiana congressman says Louisiana has been shortchanged.
Louisiana fishermen and others in the industry will receive $14.8 million in federal aid to address economic losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic, officials said Thursday.
U.S. Rep. Garret Graves, R-Baton Rouge, said Louisiana’s share is far too small, adding that only 4.9 percent of the available money was provided to Louisiana despite being one of the top fisheries states in the nation.
“Washington State is receiving $50 million compared to Louisiana’s $14.7 million when we have a 50 percent greater value to our fisheries landings,” Graves said. “Florida receives $23 million, even though Louisiana brings in 50 percent greater value. Oregon receives over $15 million and California $18 million when we have more than double their fisheries by value and triple by poundage. They must be counting aquarium fish. You really can’t compete, unless you are cheating.”
He said he has asked the House Natural Resources Committee to request an investigation into the allocations.