Finn works to help keep fish hatcheries open through tough times

Public-private partnerships sought in legislation sponsored by new lawmaker

February 5, 2009

OLYMPIA – The worldwide economic calamity is right on the verge of slamming crucial industries in the Hood Canal region, according to state Rep. Fred Finn.

The McKernan fish hatchery located between Hoodsport and Shelton is one of seven Washington hatcheries on the chopping block in the governor’s budget proposal, according to Finn, a Democrat who makes his home in rural Thurston County.

“Our salmon hatcheries are indispensable for the commercial and recreational fishing industries,” he explained. “We’re talking about a very large component of our local and regional economy. People’s livelihoods and businesses are at stake.”

Finn is prime-sponsoring a measure House Bill 1951 calling for public-private partnerships for the operation of McKernan and six other fish hatcheries identified for potential closure. Hatcheries face termination because of drastic reductions in the state’s operating budget now being debated here in the capital.

“These hatcheries are also fundamental in terms of conservation of our wild salmon populations,” Finn said.
“Today’s hard economic times make it more important than ever that we look at fresh strategies to fund vital public programs and services,” he said.

“Public-private partnerships for operating and managing hatcheries are a very good example of exactly that type of fresh strategy.”
The bipartisan legislation is scheduled for a public hearing in the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee next Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 1:30 p.m.