President Obama signs the Disaster Appropriations Relief Act into law

More than two months have passed since Hurricane Sandy decimated a large portion of the mid-Atlantic and New England coasts. Since then, it’s become clear that the recovery efforts will be ongoing for the foreseeable future. Homes, vehicles, boats and other personal property were lost or destroyed, and many businesses are struggling to remain open.

On January 28, the U.S. Senate voted and passed the comprehensive Hurricane Sandy recovery package that will provide resources and personnel for the recovery. The following day President Obama signed the recovery package into law.

The losses to the recreational fishing community have been far more extensive than simply missing a few fishing trips. Recreational fishing is a big business that supports coastal communities throughout the region, particularly in New Jersey and New York, where recreational fishing has a $6.3 billion annual economic impact and supports nearly 50,000 jobs.

In addition to assisting displaced individuals and families, the Disaster Appropriations Relief Act has several provisions that would help the recreational fishing community, including funds to restore shore-side fishery infrastructure such as marinas and boat ramps; help small businesses like bait and tackle shops recover; and repair damaged fisheries research facilities.

KeepAmericaFishing™ thanks those that took the time to send messages helping their fellow anglers who were victims to Hurricane Sandy.