Federal and state agencies announced this week that a partnership to provide funding for fish hatcheries in Northeast Georgia is continuing.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced Monday that it, along with the Tennessee Valley Authority, will continue to provide $1 million annually to fund federal fish hatcheries that stock waters in both Georgia and Tennessee.
"By working together, we strengthen the economy, promote clean water, and enhance recreation in the Tennessee Valley," Mike Oetker, regional director for the fish and wildlife service said. "Recreational fishing brings people together, creates lasting memories, and teaches the value of conservation."
The announcement was made by the fish and wildlife service along with the TVA, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency at a celebration downstream of Blue Ridge Dam Monday. The celebration included the release of fish beside Sugar Creek near Blue Ridge.
The new agreement extends the annual funding through fiscal year 2027.Georgia DNR Wildlife Resources Division Director Ted Will said the funding will continue to keep trout fishing alive in North Georgia waterways.
"Maintaining this partnership and working together gives us the ability to meet angler needs and additionally add economic value to communities in these mountain areas.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says the hatcheries provide 500,000 trout to TVA waters annually. They added that more than 256,000 fishers are expected to trout fish in Georgia and Tennessee each yer, spending around $75 to every dollar invested in the hatchery program, producing an estimated economic impact of around $50 million.
