Resolve, To Ensure the Stocking of Inland Waters in the State

Sec. 1. Engineering study; purchase fish for stocking. Resolved: That, notwithstanding any other law, during fiscal year 2015-16, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife may spend up to $700,000 from the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife carrying account, General Fund account within the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to do the following:

1. Contract for an engineering study regarding upgrading the Grand Lake Stream Fish Hatchery. The study must include, but is not limited to, an analysis of the feasibility and cost of a new cold water supply to that hatchery to raise fall yearly brook trout;

2. Contract for an engineering study regarding the construction of a new fish hatchery in the State. The study must also include a comparative analysis on whether the State can best achieve its fish stocking objectives through the construction of a new fish hatchery or through upgrades to existing state-owned fish hatcheries; and

3. Use any funds authorized pursuant to this resolve in excess of the amount needed to conduct the engineering studies described in subsections 1 and 2 to purchase fish to stock the inland waters of the State; and be it further

Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That, no later than February 1, 2016, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife shall submit a report regarding its progress on meeting the provisions of this resolve, including any findings and recommendations, to the Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. The Joint Standing Committee on Inland Fisheries and Wildlife may introduce a bill during the Second Regular Session of the 127th Legislature regarding matters related to the report.