(Kodiak) - Representative Dan Ogg (R-Kodiak) has been informed by U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski's office of a key change to the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) regulations.

Senator Murkowski announced that Alaska fishermen, who have seen a sharp drop in their incomes because of a downturn in salmon prices caused by competition from farm raised salmon, will finally qualify for federal assistance under terms of a new national TAA program for farmers. This is part of a larger $90 million compensation package to help workers who have been unfairly affected by competition because of foreign trade.

Under the new definitions, Alaska fishermen may qualify for cash benefits of up to $10,000 annually when increased aquaculture imports have contributed "importantly" to a price decline and secondly, the national average price for fish is less than 80 percent of the preceding 5-year average. Most Alaska fishermen already meet both of these conditions.

The new ruling was to be published in the Federal Register this week. Once that is done, Senator Murkowski's office is expected to have application forms available at her state offices and hopefully provide a link on her website at: http://murkowski.senate.gov. "Unfortunately the deadline imposed by the feds is this August 31st," stated Ogg. "I will do everything in my power to have those forms available at the Kodiak LIO as soon as possible," he further asserted.

Senator Murkowski's office request that people who are interested in this program, should call the following toll free number to be placed on their list. The number is: 1-877-829-6030.

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08-20-03: Current Information: Murkowski Announces Details On How Fishermen Can Apply For Fishermen's Assistance Program Benefits