Rescue tug to the rescue…again!

Last session, the Legislature appropriated $3.6 million to fully fund an emergency response tug stationed at Neah Bay. It was the last time taxpayers will pay to protect the Strait of Juan de Fuca from oil spills and other environmental accidents; beginning in July of 2010, the maritime industry will be required by law to fund the vessel year-round. Rep. Kevin Van De Wege sponsored the House version of the legislation that Governor Gregoire signed on the 20th anniversary of the Exxon-Valdez oil spill.

An incident just this week off the Washington coast underscores how important a permanently-funded emergency response tug is for our state. The state Department of Ecology says that on Wednesday a chemical tanker lost power about 45 miles off the coast. The rescue tug Hunter left its berth at Neah Bay and is heading towards the disabled tanker, prepared to render assistance if needed.

In September, Rep. Van De Wege, along with Speaker Chopp and members of the state Senate, had a tour on board the Hunter and learned about the devastating impact of one of our state’s worst oil spills. Click the video below to watch the tour, which includes interviews with the Vice President of Operations for Crowley Martime, which owns the Hunter, and Chad Bowechopp of the Makah Office of Marine Affairs.