NM hatchery uses federal funds for improvements

Posted at: 11/28/2009 12:43 PM
By: The Associated Press

DEXTER, N.M. (AP) - A national fish hatchery in southeastern New Mexico will be making some much needed repairs and improvements thanks to $320,000 in federal stimulus funds.

The Dexter National Fish Hatchery and Technology Center will use some of the money to replace leaking valves in 25 ponds.

The rest will be used to replace deteriorating pond liners to prevent water loss, improve a well and pumping station and install insulation, programmable thermostats and more efficient light bulbs.

Dexter's 72 ponds, raceways and laboratories are dedicated to holding, studying and culturing federally endangered fish for restocking.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says hatcheries like the one at Dexter have become increasingly important as both short-term refuges and long-term breeding facilities for some species.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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