For Immediate Release: January 20, 2010
Contact: Michael Mascari; 303-236-4336; [email protected]
Sharon Rose; 303-236-4580; [email protected]
FFS #R6PG/R6RA
Delta, Colorado – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced today the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has awarded a $1.5 million contract for raceways projects at the Hotchkiss National Fish Hatchery.
The funding is provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA). Boise, ID based McMillen, LLC received the stimulus funds for several projects to include building new fish raceways and converting old raceways into effluent ponds.
“These projects will improve the quality of water placed back in the Gunnison River, as well as create construction jobs in the community,” said Secretary Salazar. “This will benefit Coloradoans for generations to come.”
The projects will help the hatchery prevent disease and fish-loss, while improving fish production and protecting the river from excess waste. Work is scheduled to begin in spring 2010 and should be completed that summer.
“The improvements to Hotchkiss are very important because they will help the facility continue to meet EPA standards while helping us to improve our fish production capability,” said Steve Guertin, Regional Director of the Service’s eight-state Mountain-Prairie Region. “The stimulus funds are a blessing because we can address potential future issues right away and avoid incurring added costs down the road. These projects are vital to helping the hatchery to accomplish its mission for the future.”
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 gave $3 billion to the Department of the Interior. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife received $280 million in stimulus funds.
The ARRA funds represent an important component of the President’s plan to jumpstart the economy and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so the country can thrive in the 21st century. Under the ARRA, Interior is making an investment in conserving America’s timeless treasures – our stunning natural landscapes, our monuments to liberty, the icons of our culture and heritage – while helping American families and their communities prosper again. Interior is also focusing on renewable energy projects, the needs of American Indians, employing youth, and promoting community service.
“With its investments of Recovery Act funds, the Department of the Interior and its bureaus are putting people to work today to make improvements that will benefit the environment and the region for many years to come,” Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar said.
Secretary Salazar has pledged unprecedented levels of transparency and accountability in the implementation of the Department’s economic recovery projects. The public will be able to follow the progress of each project on www.recovery.gov and on www.interior.gov/recovery. Secretary Salazar has appointed a Senior Advisor for Economic Recovery, Chris Henderson, and an Interior Economic Recovery Task Force to work closely with Interior’s Inspector General and ensure the recovery program is meeting the high standards for accountability, responsibility, and transparency set by President Obama.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For questions, comments or concerns email us at [email protected]. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.