The state of New Hampshire is tapping into COVID-19 relief funds in an effort to modernize the state’s largest fish hatchery.
“The stakes for recreational fishing and for residents living along the Merrymeeting River in New Durham couldn’t be higher as the Powder Mill Fish Hatchery nearby faces both a lawsuit and a new, Federal anti-pollution limit which requires the state to make expensive improvements,” the New Hampshire Union Leader reported.
Scott Mason, Fish & Game Executive Director, said a $1 million feasibility study could be used to test water quality at the state’s other five hatcheries. This would help the agency come up with a strategy to upgrade Powder Mill.
“This project will improve water quality, as well as our hatcheries,” Mason said.
Last week, the New Hampshire Executive Council approved the feasibility study using American Rescue Plan Act funds.
Attorney General John Formella said the project falls into the guidelines of COVID-19 relief law because a portion of the funding has been set aside for water and sewer infrastructure improvements.
“There’s no doubt it qualifies for this assistance,” Formella said.
New Hampshire has some of the most restrictive laws surrounding fish hatcheries in the country, many of which have been established in the last few years.
In response to these newly implemented laws, the legislature approved a $4.6 million, state-backed bond to finance improvements at Powder Mill as part of its budget.
Improvements are slated to begin after the feasibility study is completed.
Unlike other New England states, New Hampshire’s lake water has relatively low calcium which means native trout can’t live in all its lakes and ponds. So, the state has stocked fish for recreational anglers for a long time.
State officials estimate fishing contributes $328 million to the state’s economy.
“Our stocking program needs to stay and this study will help us prepare for the future,” Mason added.
New Hampshire, though, isn’t the only place where Covid Cash is being used in a fishy manner.
Last year, Maine’s entire fishing industry was awarded $20 million in federal funding through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, reported NBC NewsCenter Maine. And that wasn’t nearly enough, said Ben Martens, executive director of the Maine Coast Fishermen’s Association, who called the funding “a nice start.”
