Jim Saxton: “I support S. 1883, a bill introduced by our colleagues from Alabama, Senators Shelby and Sessions, to transfer the…”

“I support S. 1883, a bill introduced by our colleagues from Alabama, Senators Shelby and Sessions, to transfer the Marion National Fish Hatchery and the Claude Harris National Aquacultural Research Center to the State of Alabama. This legislation, which would convey about 600 acres of Federal land, is virtually identical to a measure that the House of Representatives unanimously adopted in 1996. The Alabama Fish and Game Division has effectively operated the Marion Fish Hatchery for over 24 years. During that time it has produced thousands of bluegills, channel fish, channel catfish, large-mouthed bass, striped bass, sunfish, and hybrid striped bass fingerlings. These fish are used to stock over 500,000 acres of public waters in the State of Alabama, and they are available to over 530,000 licensed sport anglers. Furthermore, over $2 million has been spent on improvements and renovations to the Marion Fish Hatchery since the State assumed operation of the facility in 1974. By obtaining title to the hatchery, the State will be able to make additional necessary modifications for the future.”