subscribe to the Partnership Newsletter link

 

Back to Press Releases

MEDIA CONTACT
Katy Johansson
360.725.5442
katy.johansson@psp.wa.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
02-28-2008

Washington receives national accolades for Puget Sound cleanup effort

OLYMPIA – Washington state’s effort to restore and protect Puget Sound has been recognized by the national blue ribbon commission on ocean issues, the Joint Ocean Commission.

The commission yesterday released its third annual report on the nation’s progress on implementing the recommendations of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy and the Pew Oceans Commission. Co-chaired by the Honorable Leon E. Panetta (Pew Oceans Commission) and Admiral James D. Watkins (U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy), the group’s primary goal is to accelerate the pace of change that results in meaningful ocean policy reform.

Specifically, Washington was noted for approving substantial funding for Puget Sound restoration and recovery, including the formation of the Puget Sound Partnership. Washington’s effort contributed to the “A-” grade on “regional and state ocean governance reform” – the highest grade given in the report.

The Joint Ocean Commission Initiative’s 2007 U.S. Ocean Policy Report Card states: The 2007 Washington State legislature approved substantial funding for Puget Sound restoration and recovery, including formation of a new agency, the Puget Sound Partnership. The Partnership works with communities, agencies, and organizations to create an Action Agenda to identify priorities and serve as a roadmap for restoration and protection efforts. The Joint Initiative applauds Washington’s governor and legislature for embracing the Puget Sound Partnership.

“While this recognition shows we are on the right path to clean up Puget Sound, there is a lot of hard work to be done,” said Gov. Chris Gregoire. “We all want to leave a legacy of a clean and healthy Sound for future generations and the Puget Sound Partnership is going to help us get there.”

“Thanks to the leadership of Gov. Gregoire and the 2007 Legislature, Washington is a national leader in addressing the health of our waterways,” said David Dicks, executive director of the Puget Sound Partnership. “The commission’s recognition is another sign that Puget Sound cleanup has become a national priority.”

To learn more about the report online, visit: http://www.jointoceancommission.org/index.html

###