Washington’s sockeye runs are smashing records
Washington is seeing a record-breaking sockeye salmon run this year despite a July heatwave that threatened a kill-off in the Okanogan River. The surge is a tangible sign of success for a water management plan adopted in 2014 that has Indian tribes, dam operators and fish managers in the U.S. and Canada working together to ensure optimum river water levels as fish cross nine dams. Continue reading at Axios. (DeAgostini)
Demand for WA paid family leave benefits is overwhelming staff, agency says
Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program keeps growing, but its staff and resources do not, leaving applicants with delays for benefits and long waits for customer service. The Employment Security Department wants to hire 98 new employees over the next two years in response. It’s a roughly $23 million ask. The new employees will help answer phones, process applications and assist employers with paperwork and questions.“ Despite recent staffing increases, the program is not adequately staffed based on current application volumes,” department officials wrote in a budget request to the governor. Continue reading at The WA State Standard. (Getty Images)
Inslee announces $1.5M emergency funding for San Juan ferries
Gov. Jay Inslee is providing $1.5 million in emergency funding to restore critical ferry transportation throughout the San Juan Islands, he announced during a meeting with county leaders Tuesday, Sept. 17. The interisland route has been the least reliable in the Washington State Ferries (WSF) system, Inslee said in a Tuesday news release. The challenges, caused by crew shortages, have created life and safety issues for island residents and service providers. Continue reading at Cascadia Daily News. (Andy Bronson)
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