Proposed Strategy for the 2008 State and Federal Budget Processes and Speaking Points in Support of the Strategy (Revised)

Prepared for the WRIA 8Salmon Recovery Council by Dennis Canty, Evergreen Funding Consultants

October 2007

State Budget

Context: Not a budget year, tight revenue forecasts, run-up to the 2008 gubernatorial election, big enviro funding year in 2007, salmon fatigue.

Proposed Strategy:

  1. Reconnecting legislators to the salmon issue, especially through events and one-on-one meetings.
  2. Linking salmon recovery to the Puget Sound Partnership agenda by participating in their process and prioritizing salmon projects multiple benefits.
  3. Looking ahead to the 2009-2011 session and coordinating major budget requests with other Puget Sound WRIA’s and the Partnership.

Speaking Points:

  1. The plan is done and approved, we succeeded at avoiding lawsuits and economic turmoil, and now need to follow through on commitments.
  2. Salmon projects do more than help salmon by improving water quality, retaining stormwater, reducing downstream flooding, and providing public open space and access.
  3. The Partnership agenda will borrow heavily from the salmon plan.
  4. Doing this work now will save money as acquisition and construction costs climb quickly throughout the region.
  5. Each state dollar is matched by at least two dollars from federal and local sources.
  6. Local governments in WRIA 8 are stepping up in a big way. We have been successful in collaborating and implementing habitat projects, but have a long way to go and need state and federal matching funds.

Federal Budget

Context: Run-up to the 2008 presidential elections, WA delegation members in key appropriations slots, heavy focus on Puget Sound Partnership.

Proposed Strategy:

  1. Maintaining conventional lobbying strategies focused on Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund and the emerging EPA Puget Sound program.
  2. Pursuing personal connections with delegation and staff, especially at project sites.
  3. Pursuing a prominent role in the Partnership agenda, including advancing salmon projects for Puget Sound funding.

Speaking Points:

Same as state speaking points, except:

  1. Each federal dollar is matched by at least two dollars from state and local sources.
  2. The plan and program is strongly supported by other key interests, including tribes, the Governor and state agencies, and the business community.
  3. WRIA 8 strongly supports the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers receiving $2 million in operation funds to fix the diffuser well at the Locks, which is trapping and killing Chinook salmon and other salmon species.