Samish

In separate interviews, Pratt, with Friends of the San Juans, and Samish Indian Nation Chairman Tom Wooten both said the state’s spill response system could use improvement.

Tribes that voiced objections included the Swinomish, Samish, Suquamish, Tulalip and Lummi nations.

Reached in Anacortes, Wooten of the Samish Indian Nation said the concerns raised then about Trans Mountain — increased vessel traffic, noise pollution, the plight of the endangered orcas, along with unique issues of corralling spilled tar sands crude — are still relevant.

The grants will help tribes like the Samish, Swinomish and Lower Elwha Klallam build on existing climate adaptation plans.

Before the Coast Guard arrived, the Washington state ferry Samish responded and launched its rescue boat.