Gerry Studds: “Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3664, introduced by the gentleman from Minnesota [Mr. Minge] directs the Secretary of the Interior to…”

“Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3664, introduced by the gentleman from Minnesota [Mr. Minge] directs the Secretary of the Interior to convey ownership of the New London National Fish Hatchery in New London, MN, to the State of Minnesota. The hatchery is part of the National Fish Hatchery Program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Its primary function is to raise sportfish, like walleye, bass, channel catfish, and muskie--and I don't mean Ed--for State stocking programs. Although considered a part of the Federal program, New London Hatchery operations have been funded and administered by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources since 1983 at a cost of $75,000 a year. Once the property has been transferred, the State would continue to assume these costs as well as the costs of any repairs or upgrades to the facility that may be necessary, resulting in a cost savings to the Federal Government. Should the State decide at some time in the future that it no longer wants or needs to operate the hatchery or wants to use the facility for some other purpose, ownership of the facility and the land would revert back to the Federal Government. The bill is supported by both the State of Minnesota and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and I urge Members to support this legislation.”