There is now a percentage on the hatchery bill. If you have not yet sent in a letter of support, it only takes a minute on the AB 2280 website. www.stormsource.org/ab2280/

Let's keep California's hatcheries from closure.....



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: MORGAN CRINKLAW
May 7, 2004 (916) 319-2025

HATCHERY FUNDING BILL SET AT 33 1/3 PERCENT

(Sacramento) – Assemblyman Dave Cogdill (R-Modesto) announced today that AB 2280, will dedicate
33 1/3 percent of sport fishing license revenue directly to the Hatcheries and Fish Planting Facilities Program. The bill had previously left the dedicated amount unspecified. This amendment will set the funding requirement for the Hatcheries and Fish Planting Facilities Program at 33 1/3 perecent of fishing license revenue.

“Sport fishing is vital to California’s tourism economy,” commented Assemblyman Cogdill. “It is essential that we pass legislation like this to allocate funds to their proper places, so that each generation of Californians will be able to enjoy the benefits of our State’s waterways.”

The Department of Fish and Game receives roughly $45 million in sport fishing license revenue each year. The sport fishing industry produces over $2.3 billion in retail sales, $1.2 billion in wages and salaries, 43,000 jobs, and $224 million in state taxes. In some Sierra communities, sport-fishing tourism provides almost the entire economic base for the community.

Despite increased license fees, California’s hatcheries are experiencing decreased funding and have had difficulties delivering an adequate number of fish. In previous years, the Department of Fish and Game terminated several seasonal employees at the height of fishing season. This bill will completely fund hatcheries with license sales revenue, so it will not take from the state’s already overdrawn general fund.

“As rumor spreads that hatcheries are slowing or closing down their operations, we will see a decline in license sales, and consequently fishermen, causing a financial strain on many rural communities,” stated Ed Inwood of the Mono County Fisheries Commission. “This bill will ensure the vitality of this industry and the economic well being of many rural areas.”

This bill is currently in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Assemblyman Cogdill represents the 25th Assembly District, which includes all or part of the counties of Calaveras, Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, Mono, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne.

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James "Brad" Willis
CSEA Bargaining Unit 11 Negotiating Council
Mojave River Hatchery
Victorville,CA
mojavekroc@msn.com or
jwillis@dfg.ca.gov