NOAA is awarding $4.2 million to the Skagit River System Cooperative for a fish passage restoration project aimed at supporting Chinook salmon in Washington’s Similk Estuary.

Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Wash., announced the award Sept. 15. The Skagit River System Cooperative represents the fisheries interests of the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe and Swinomish Indian Tribal Community.

The funding will support restoration work intended to improve fish passage and habitat for Chinook salmon while also helping reduce local flood risks, according to the release from Larsen’s office.

“These funds from NOAA Fisheries provide much needed support for the Similk estuary habitat restoration project,” Fred Cayou, board chair of the Skagit River System Cooperative, said in the release. “This high priority project benefits SRSC member Tribes and local communities by helping to recover Chinook salmon populations while also reducing flood risks.”

The award comes through NOAA’s Community-Based Restoration Program, which provides funding and technical assistance for habitat restoration projects in coastal communities. NOAA selected 16 projects from 350 proposals during this round of funding, according to Larsen’s office.

Another Washington project also received funding. The Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group was awarded $7.2 million to restore floodplain habitat for Chinook salmon and steelhead in the Mid-Columbia River.

“This funding will give the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe and the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community the resources they need to improve fish passage and foster salmon recovery,” Larsen said.