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Council backs letter urging Mitchell Act funds to keep Squamania hatchery open
Summary
Clark County staff presented a letter asking the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to use Mitchell Act funds to keep the Squamania hatchery operating; councilors signaled support and asked staff to also notify the federal delegation and seek an earmark to cover an estimated $449,000 first-year shortfall.
Mayor Marshall and county staff moved forward with a draft letter asking the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to use federal Mitchell Act appropriations to keep the Squamania hatchery operating.
“For the record, Jordan Bogie,” said Jordan Bogie, the staff presenter, outlining funding estimates and timeline. Bogie told the council that keeping the facility open would require about $449,000 in additional ongoing funds and that fully closing the hatchery would carry an estimated one-time cost of about $8,000,000.
Councilor Little suggested tightening species language in the letter to avoid omitting fish groups the hatchery supports. “Salmonids covers steelhead and trout,” Little said, recommending the single scientific term if the council wanted to avoid a long list.
Council members signaled unanimous informal support for sending the letter and for asking the county’s congressional delegation to pursue a one‑time earmark to cover the immediate funding gap. The chair said staff would prepare and send the letter once final edits are made.
The action will be an advisory request to the Department of Fish and Wildlife and not a county appropriation. Staff said they would also coordinate outreach to partners who have submitted similar letters to ensure alignment.
