On June 11, 2003, the Council approved a three-year, $34 million package of fish and wildlife improvement projects. Collectively, the projects continue implementation of the Council’s Fish and Wildlife Program and also the 2000 biological opinions on hydropower operations issued by NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for threatened and endangered fish species.

The $34 million budget reflects an overall reduction in funding for the Council’s fish and wildlife program imposed earlier this year by Bonneville. For 2003, Bonneville limited direct expenditures for the program to $139 million in reaction to the agency’s financial crisis, a reduction of about $40 million over previously planned spending.

See detailed recommendations and supporting materials below.