Federal disaster relief funds totaling $8.3 million for the Massachusetts groundfishing industry could start flowing this month.

"We're hoping the end of the month, the end of March, that things can get done," U.S. Rep. William Keating (D-Bourne) told the News Service on Monday.

Keating's Congressional district includes New Bedford and Cape Cod. Keating made the comments after a panel at the UMass Club focused on sustaining Massachusetts fisheries.

The groundfishing industry, a key part of the Bay State's cultural and economic history, has suffered from depleted fish stock and restrictive catch limits, advocates say.

"We've got families that are really, really hurting," said Frank Mirarchi, a fishing boat captain in Scituate. "This money will be a blessing."

Read the full story at Cape Cod Today>>

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