For Immediate Release: September 29, 2009
Contact: Michael Mascari; (303) 236-4336; Michael_Mascari@fws.gov
Sharon Rose; (303) 236-4580; Sharon_R_Rose@fws.gov
FFS #R6PB

SPEARFISH, SD – The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provided a much-needed boost to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and Archives. Workers are putting the finishing touches on the historic stone walls and a roadway severely damaged by the June 2008 flooding down the Ames Canyon. The roadway serves as the only access road to the facility. The structures date back to the late 1800s.

The Recovery Act provided $100,000 to the hatchery for the repair and restoration of the historic walls. Workers must use special techniques and materials to make repairs since the station is on the National Register of Historic Places. Some of the workers previously received training from the National Park Service for this type of project.

“This is certainly a Recovery Act success story,” said Stephen Guertin, Regional Director of the Service’s eight-state Mountain-Prairie Region. “We were able to address a very pressing issue and prevent future damage while benefiting the local area.”

The floods damaged historic walls that serve as both a drainage channel wall and as a road retaining wall. The destruction made the site vulnerable to damage from future weather events.

“The flood damage is being repaired and the potential for significant damage from another weather event was remedied,” said Project Director Carlos Martinez. “If it weren’t for stimulus money we don’t know how we would have funded the repairs.”

The project employed two Student Temporary Employment Program workers, two wage-grade seasonal employees, and several Job Corps workers. The Fish and Wildlife Service awarded the contract to Red Wilk, a South Dakota firm. They hired subcontractors and used materials from the area.

D.C. Booth rears trout for the Black Hills in partnership with the State. Its primary mission is to protect and preserve fisheries records and artifacts for research, historic, and educational purposes. The facility receives approximately 160,000 visitors annually and provides education programs for the public.

For more information about this project, and to view other FWS projects funded by ARRA go to http://recovery.doi.gov/press/bureaus/us-fish-and-wildlife-service/.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.