OLYMPIA — Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe Chairman Jeromy Sullivan has been appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee to the Salmon Recovery Funding Board.

The state board awards grants for projects which target salmon recovery. Sullivan has extensive experience in conservation and salmon recovery efforts and has also served on the Hood Canal Coordinating Council, Point No Point Treaty Council and Kitsap Forest and Bay Coalition.

Kaleen Cottingham, director of the Recreation and Conservation Office, said Sullivan would be a great addition to the Salmon Recovery Funding Board.

“Tribes have a deep cultural connection to salmon. As a tribal leader, he will bring a valuable perspective to our work,” Cottingham said.

The Washington State Legislature created the Salmon Recovery Funding Board in 1999. Composed of five citizens appointed by the governor and five state agency directors, the board brings together the experiences and viewpoints of citizens and the major state agencies with a connection to salmon. The board provides grants to protect or restore salmon habitat and assist related activities. Since its start, the board has awarded more than $650 million for more than 2,400 projects statewide.