State-Owned Fish Hatcheries

Item 393 #1c

Language
Page 307, line 9, strike "$34,989,619" and insert "$34,999,619".
Page 307, line 9, strike "$34,989,619" and insert "$35,009,619".
Page 307, after line 35, insert:
"C. The Department shall maintain operation of, and visitor access to, state-owned fish hatcheries, including the Montebello fish hatchery. To offset the cost of supervising visitors at the fish hatcheries, the Department may charge a fee of up to $1.00 per visitor."

Explanation
(This amendment requires the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries to continue public access at state-owned fish hatcheries. These hatcheries are an important tool for science education and tourism in addition to their primary role in stocking Virginia's waters. The amendment allows for a nominal fee to offset the costs of diverting Department personnel from their regularly scheduled duties. Large school groups require additional Department staff supervision for safety purposes.)