WASHINGTON, D.C. (WTXL) - Representative Steve Southerland joined Senator Marco Rubio and other Florida officials in applauding the Department of Commerce's decision to assist the ailing Apalachicola oyster industry.
The congressman released a statement following the agency's decision to award $6.3 million dollars in disaster relief to the region.
“I am pleased that these hardworking North Florida families will receive the relief they so desperately need,” said Southerland. “While this disaster assistance is a critical step forward, the fight for our oyster fishery is far from over. I remain committed to doing all I can to help Apalachicola Bay’s oyster fishery not just survive, but thrive for generations to come.”
More than 2,500 jobs have been lost in the industry, in the wake of ongoing water supply disputes between Georgia, Florida, and Alabama.
