A Senate Bill signed Wednesday by Gov. Gary Locke provides a funding strategy for a rescue tugboat to remain on station at Neah Bay for the next five winters.
According to Ocean Advocate spokesman Fred Felleman, the governor signed Senate Bill 6072 in an effort to help prevent oil spills in the Strait of Juan de Fuca.
“It’s a very good day for Clallam County indeed,” Felleman said, noting the county will receive the most benefit from tugboat efforts.
While the bill requires a rescue tug to remain at the mouth of the Strait for at least 200 days each winter, it does not appropriate funding.
Funds will have to be appropriated annually by the Legislature, Felleman said.