Press Release
For Immediate Release as of June 11, 2015

Contact:      Leon Alexander
        PO Box 117
        Norfork, AR 72658
        Phone:  870-499-3167

Subject: Congressman Rick Crawford introduces “National Mitigation Fisheries Coordination Act” HR 2235   
    
Submitted by:    Leon L. Alexander          Date: June 11, 2015

Please find attached a Press Release dated 5-27-15 from Congressman Rick Crawford’s Washington DC office announcing the introduction of House Bill HR 2235 known as the “The National Mitigation Fisheries Coordination Act”.
 A copy of Bill HR 2235 is also attached for your information.

According to the Press Release, Congressman Crawford is quoted in part saying: “…..our bill would create a permanent fix that ensures the hatcheries are properly reimbursed for the loss of the original species when the projects were started…”
 
 For additional details or the impact on the Norfork NFH and the Greers Ferry NFH, please contact Rep. Rick Crawford’s Press Secretary or you can contact Leon Alexander at 870-499-3167.

Your cooperation is sharing this important Bill will be appreciated.

Encl:    Crawford Press Release
    HR 2235

Crawford Introduces Proposed Fix for Funding Hatcheries  
5-27-15
 
Washington, D.C. - Earlier this month, Congressman Rick Crawford introduced legislation to provide a long term and reliable solution for funding mitigation fish hatcheries. Crawford’s 1st District of Arkansas is home to Norfork Lake National Mitigation Hatchery in Mountain Home and the Greers Ferry National Mitigation Hatchery in Heber Springs.  
 
Crawford’s bill, H.R. 2235, The National Mitigation Fisheries Coordination Act, addresses the uncertainty of hatchery funding. In the past, different federal agencies have traded the responsibility of these hatcheries back and forth, and the uncertainty created by that current system (or lack thereof)  keeps the hatcheries constantly concerned about remaining open. Crawford's bill would emulate the successful mitigation programs in the Western states by requiring Water Development Agencies to reimburse the hatcheries.

"Water Development Agencies created development projects that resulted in the loss of once bountiful fisheries that had drawn anglers and sportsmen from around the country," Congressman Rick Crawford explained. “As of now, funding is piecemeal and voluntary, but our bill would create a permanent fix that ensures the hatcheries are properly reimbursed for the loss of the original species when these projects were started."

H.R. 2235 has two basic elements.

1. Requires the Water Development Agencies who are causing the need for mitigation actually pay for that mitigation.

2. Requires the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to to develop long-term agreements with the Water Development Agencies that will satisfy the mitigation commitments the Water Development Agencies made to the states when the Water Development Projects were built.

James Arnold
Press Secretary
Rep. Rick Crawford (AR-01)
Office: 202-225-4076
Cell: 202-679-4346

To read HR2235, click here