29.739 Grants for walleye production.

(1) The department shall establish a grant program to award grants on a competitive basis to cities, villages, towns, and counties; to federally recognized Indian tribes or bands located in this state; and to fish farms.

(2) Grants awarded under this section shall be used for the purpose of increasing the grantee's capacity to raise walleye for stocking in the waters of the state. The grants may be used to build, improve, or repair any of the following:

(a) Buildings and structures used as fish hatcheries or for fish rearing.

(b) Fish rearing ponds.

(c) Wells or water recirculation systems.

(d) Biosecurity systems to ensure fish health.

(e) Holding facilities and equipment used for fish brood stock.

(f) Equipment used for the distribution of fish or for the collection of fish spawn.

(3) For a fish farm to be eligible for a grant under this section, the fish farm shall meet all of the following requirements:

(a) The fish farm is registered with the department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection under s. 95.60.

(b) The fish farm is in compliance with all applicable state and federal environmental laws and all applicable state and federal laws related to fish health.

(4) A contract awarding a grant under this section shall state the number of fingerlings that will be reared as a result of the increased capacity and the purchase price the grantee shall charge for the fingerlings when the construction, improvement, or repair is completed.

(5) The department shall promulgate rules to implement the program to be established under this section.

History: 2013 a. 20.