Mayor Supports Disaster Relief For Fishing Industry

New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell has sent a letter to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, in support of disaster funding for grouind-fishermen in New England. 

Mitchell says about half of New Bedford's 100 draggers have left the fishery, causing hundreds of fishermen and shore-side support workers to lose their jobs. 

In his letter,  the Mayor suggested that at least some of the disaster funding can help the industry prepare for the future......

 The Mayor is also urging support for crew-members and families who need help. 

The Mayor told the Secretary, the City of New Bedford and its fishing industry stand ready to assist in designing the best possible program to insure the groundfish indsutry will thrive again in the future.