Some Possible Funding for Hatcheries in New Budget

[BradWillis]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: JENNIFER TEEL
July 7, 2005 (916) 319-2025


Cogdill Pleased State Budget Will Help Hatcheries
Assemblyman worked for the inclusion of $9 million to aide inland fishery programs

(Sacramento) After several years of disappointment, the 2005-2006 State Budget includes some good news for hatcheries and other inland fishery programs. After casting his “aye” vote on the 2005-2006 State Budget, Assemblyman Dave Cogdill (R-Modesto) voiced his support for the $9 million in state funding earmarked for hatcheries, additional Department of Fish and Game wardens, and the Wild/Heritage Trout programs. Cogdill, who is a member of the Assembly Budget Subcommittee on Resources, had pressed for the funding throughout the budget process.
“This funding is vital to preserving our sport fishing heritage and the many rural economies that rely upon it,” said Cogdill. “I fought hard for this $9 million and I’m pleased that the money made it into the final 2005-2006 State Budget. Now our goal must be to see that this funding is used appropriately. For too long we have seen money that was supposed to help hatcheries and fishing programs moved out to fund other programs.”
The 2005-2006 State Budget allocates $5 million for game wardens – enough to add approximately 50 permanent positions, $1 million in funding for the Wild/Heritage Trout Program, and $3 million in funding to improve hatchery operations.
In addition to his efforts on the State Budget, Cogdill has also authored legislation to dedicate a portion of fishing license revenue to hatcheries and inland fishery programs. Assembly Bill 7, known as the Inland Fisheries Restoration Act of 2005, recently cleared the Senate Natural Recourses Committee and is expected to be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee within the next few weeks.
“Fishing licenses ought to support fishing and hatchery programs. Unfortunately this hasn’t been the case and it’s measurably hurt the hatcheries, as well as the rivers and streams that depend on them for fish. The combined success of AB 7 and the $9 million in the budget will mean the world to the sport fishing community.”


Assemblyman Cogdill proudly represents part or all of the counties of Calaveras, Madera, Mariposa, Mono, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne.

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