Political Quotes

“I support H.R. 535, a bill to transfer title of the Corning National Fish Hatchery to the State of Arkansas for use by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. The Corning National Fish Hatchery includes approximately 137 acres, buildings, structures, and related equipment. It is a warm water hatchery that produces between 250,000 to 1,000,000 fish each year. About 95 percent of these hatchery-reared fish are stocked in new or renovated public lakes, providing recreational opportunities for thousands of Americans. It is my understanding that the State of Arkansas has been effectively operating this hatchery facility since 1983, under an agreement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The State has spent in excess of $1.5 million to maintain it. H.R. 535 would simply convey all right, title, and interest of the United States to the State of Arkansas. Finally, this legislation contains language providing that the property revert back to the Federal Government if the State of Arkansas no longer wishes to use the facility as part of its fisheries resources management program. It also stipulates that the property be returned in substantially the same or better condition than it was in at the time it was transferred to the State. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service supports this transfer and I compliment the gentlelady from Arkansas for bringing this matter to our attention. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support the bill.”