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The Neosho National Fish Hatchery in Missouri will receive $3.75 million in funding to support the construction of a two-story, 9,200 sq. ft., energy-efficient visitor center. Illustration courtesy of U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Midwest

Secretary Salazar Announces $3.75 Million for Construction of Neosho National Fish Hatchery Visitor Facility
KANSAS CITY, MO, (kansascityfrontpage.com), August 9, 2009 - Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar has announced that Neosho National Fish Hatchery in Missouri will receive $3.75 million in funding to support the construction of a two-story, 9,200 sq. ft., energy-efficient visitor center. A portion of the construction costs ($109,105) will be funded by the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

The $3,753,627 contract was awarded to Kansas-based Crossland Construction Co., Inc. at a recent groundbreaking ceremony of the hatchery visitor center.

"The new visitor center will improve community education about our aquatic resources, and enhance the energy efficiency of daily hatchery operations," said David Hendrix, hatchery manager.

Building amenities will include a History of the Hatchery Exhibit Hall, Friends of the Neosho NFH bookstore, classrooms and wet labs, auditorium, library and additional office space for hatchery staff. "The hatchery's visitor center will serve to promote conservation of our resources both through its smart, environmentally friendly design and through the lessons learned within its walls."

"Crossland is thrilled that our team can contribute to a project that will strengthen the local economy and provide educational opportunities to visitors," said Chris Schnurbusch, Crossland's division manager.

Established in 1888, Neosho National Fish Hatchery is the oldest operating federal hatchery, contributing to endangered species recovery and stocking efforts in the Missouri River watershed, and providing environmental education to more than 45,000 visitors annually. These funds will support construction of the new visitor center as an energy-efficient, LEED-certified facility, which will include installation of photovoltaic solar panels. The funding will also provide for expanded seating capacity for student groups and other visitors to the hatchery.

The project will provide a renewable energy source for the hatchery, and improve safety and air quality of existing buildings. The visitor center will showcase the hatchery facility, its mission and the aspects of the fisheries conservation heritage of the Midwest and help build a stronger relationship between Neosho NFH and the local community. The new visitor center will also provide more environmental education opportunities, advancing the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to connect people with nature.

"The Midwest Region has a long tradition of enjoying the fish, wildlife, lakes, rivers and prairies we are so fortunate to have," said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Midwest Regional Director Tom Melius. "The projects we are undertaking in the Midwest will provide jobs, increase the energy efficiency of government buildings, protect and enhance our natural resources, provide greater opportunities for people to enjoy those natural resources, and perhaps most importantly, help current and future generations understand and share our passion for the natural world."

Funding for these projects and hundreds more across the nation comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Of the $3 billion appropriated to the Department of the Interior, the Act provides $280 million for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - which includes $115 million for construction, repair and energy efficiency retrofit projects at Service facilities, and $165 million for habitat restoration, deferred maintenance and capital improvement projects.

The Service will benefit from an additional $10 million, which is administered by the Department of Transportation and is not included in the Service's $280 million appropriation that will be used to rebuild and improve roads on several national wildlife refuges. Projects will immediately create local jobs in the communities where they are located, while stimulating long-term employment and economic opportunities for the American public.

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