US Senator Jeff Merkley and US Representative Earl Blumenauer yesterday reintroduced the Columbia River Restoration Act (CRRA), which would authorize appropriation of $50 million for Columbia River clean up efforts. The Columbia River Basin is the only major EPA designated ‘large aquatic ecosystem’ to receive zero funding pursuant to this designation. The Lower Columbia Estuary Partnership has been working to secure passage of the CRRA since 2008 along with partners.