James Hill: “I first say thanks to the distinguished chair and thanks to Members on both sides of the aisle for bringing this…”

“I first say thanks to the distinguished chair and thanks to Members on both sides of the aisle for bringing this important bill to the floor, H.R. 4553, our Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Mr. Chair, my amendment today includes funding to the operations and management account under title I of this bill, which is the funding for the Army Corps of Engineers. Specifically, I would like to highlight my application that the Little Rock Army Corps has submitted on behalf of a river in my district, the Little Red River, for the Sustainable Rivers Program. Mr. Chair, the Little Red River has become home to a sizable and attractive wild brown trout population. It is a regional mecca for trout fishing in the mid-South. For example, the Little Red River is home to the former world record 40-pound brown trout. Over 25 miles of fly-fishing water and over 1,000 fish per square mile brings anglers of all sizes, types, and ages to Arkansas. Mr. Chair, because of Arkansas' many rivers, lakes, and other natural beauties, recreational fishing that is done on the Little Red River now contributes $1.2 billion and 10,000 jobs to the Arkansas economy. However, despite this beloved place in Arkansas' heritage, this river's existing tail water trout fishery has been struggling for years.”