Blue catfish program receives funding cut

Fully implementing could create MC jobs  

A legislative bill by State Del. Keith Hodges, R-Urbanna, to enhance and create a blue catfish fishery in the state ran into a bit of a roadblock Sept. 6 when the General Assembly voted to cut the funding to the program from $2 million to $250,000.    

On Sept. 6, the Virginia General Assembly voted down a proposal to invest $2 million in a grant program to establish the Catfish Industries Development Program, but instead voted to start off the program with $250,000 in state seed monies. Before it becomes law, however, Virginia Gov. George Youngkin has to sign off on the budget, which he is expected to do.

Grants shall be awarded as reimbursable grants to support blue catfish processing, flash freezing, harvesting of the fish and infrastructure projects. The bill directs the secretary of Agriculture and Forestry to develop certain guidelines as provided in the bill on behalf of the governor to facilitate the program.

Del. Hodges said two weeks ago that he was disappointed in the drastic funding cut of the program, but is optimistic that he will be able to obtain more funding during later budget sessions.

The blue catfish legislation and funding proposals were sponsored by State Sen. Richard Stuart, R-King George County, and Del. Hodges.