August 15, 2012 (BOSTON) _ Governor Deval Patrick has again asked the federal government for $21 million in fisheries disaster assistance to help the region's struggling fleet.

Patrick was denied the same request in 2010, but renewed it last year.

On Monday, he sent another letter to the US Commerce Department, citing new forecasts by regulators of steep cuts in the catch limit for various bottom-dwelling groundfish in 2013.

Patrick says he fears "for the viability" of the fleet.

Last week, similar requests for disaster relief were renewed by Congressman William Keating and sSnators John Kerry and Scott Brown.
#