For Immediate Release: December 16, 2009
Contact: Phil Kloer; (404) 679-7125; [email protected]
FFS #R4RB
Washington, DC. – Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has awarded a contract of $1,281,000 to Linc Government Services, LLC through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).
Under the contract, Linc will incorporate several important design elements into the planned Visitor and Environmental Education Center at Mammoth Spring National Fish Hatchery in Mammoth Spring, Ark. The project will now include an environmental education classroom, retail sales space, additional office space, interpretive exhibits and outdoor features such as a display pond and viewing areas.
“This new state-of-the-art center will be something that the community can be proud of, a place where people, and especially children, can connect with nature and learn about conservation and environmental issues,” said Secretary Salazar. “In addition, it will provide a boost to the local economy, creating new jobs with stimulus funds.”
The new ARRA contract will be coordinated with a previous contract, both of which are with Linc. The Mammoth Spring center received $1.2 million through a Congressional appropriation in 2005 to be used for the design and initial construction of the building. With the ARRA funding, the project can now move forward. “We’re excited,” said hatchery manager Richard Shelton. “We’ve been promoting the idea of an environmental education center at Mammoth Spring for years, and we are finally about to make it a reality.”
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed earlier this year gave $3 billion to the Department of the Interior. 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 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 and http://www.fws.gov/mammothspring/.