JUNEAU, Alaska — A state fish hatchery stocking more than 100 Interior lakes faces closure after Fairbanks representatives joined all their fellow majority members on Wednesday to defeat a budget amendment that would continue hatchery funding.
During consideration of the state operating budget, it became clear that $2.2 million in federal funds directed to the Ruth Burnett Sport Fish Hatchery in Fairbanks were not available for operations in the Alaska Department of Fish & Game.
Commissioner Doug Vincent-Lang told leaders in two separate letters that upholding the federal funding source would leave the Department no choice but to close the hatchery in Fairbanks, which stocks lakes across the Interior with hundreds of thousands of Arctic char, trout and salmon.
Rep. Rebecca Schwanke, R-Glennallen, attempted to revert the fund source back to that requested by the Governor, but her budget amendment was rejected by all members of the House Majority. The state operating budget returns before the Alaska House of Representatives today.
“In a time when wild salmon stocks are in a decline statewide, closing a hatchery that produces those same species, as well as other stocks for family fishing opportunities, would be incredibly irresponsible,” Schwanke said.
“The hatchery program generates economic activity that is tenfold to what it costs the state,” said Rep. Mike Prax, R-North Pole.
“This will have a cascading effect on sport fishing, tourism, subsistence and recreation in Interior Alaska,” said Rep. Frank Tomaszewski, R-Fairbanks. “Closing a fish hatchery would be a shortsighted decision. These facilities play a vital role in conserving native fish species, replenishing depleted rivers and lakes, and supporting recreational and subsistence fishing that feed families, provide jobs and generate economic activity.”
Media Contact: Amanda Bohman, 907-378-6809