April 2, 2009

McCune works to save Voights Creek Hatchery from budget cuts
2nd District lawmaker meets with stakeholders to save Orting facility

Rep. Jim McCune is working to save funding for the Voights Creek Hatchery in Orting amid proposed cuts in the state operating budget. The 2nd District lawmaker is concerned about the potential impact on fisheries and fishermen.  

The Senate operating budget proposal released this week would cut funding for the Voights Creek Hatchery, resulting in closure of the facility. McCune wants to prevent this outcome.

"The Voights Creek Hatchery is important to tribal relations, fish in the Puyallup River and our local economy. We cannot afford to lose one of our more productive coho hatcheries in the state," said McCune, R-Graham. "I understand our state faces difficult decisions with its operating budget, but the possible savings of closing this hatchery do not justify the economic impact it would create locally."

The Puyallup Tribe has said that closing the hatchery would result in no coho or chinook fishing, and no winter steelhead season, on the Puyallup River. It believes that state funding continues to be put to good use and to lose it would result in economic loss to Pierce County and other coastal communities in Washington.  

McCune has been meeting with stakeholders, including the Puyallup Tribe, to find a solution. He encourages all parties who support the Voights Creek Hatchery to contact their state lawmakers to voice their concerns.

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For more information, contact: John Handy, Assistant Director: (360) 786-5758