This grant is to support needed renovations and improvements to the bowens mill fish hatchery operated by the georgia department of natural resources

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources received a Formula Grant award of $1,333,334 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), Department of the Interior, under the Sport Fish Restoration program (CFDA 15.605) on July 1, 2025. The grant funds critical renovations and infrastructure improvements at the Bowens Mill Fish Hatchery, a state-operated facility essential to Georgia's sport fish production goals. The project addresses deferred maintenance issues including aging electrical and plumbing systems, pond bank repairs, and improvements to the hatchery holding house, with completion targeted for June 30, 2026.

These infrastructure improvements are necessary to ensure reliable, long-term production of key recreational sportfish species, including striped bass and largemouth bass, which support the state's sport fishery and public recreational fishing opportunities. As a formula grant under the Sport Fish Restoration program, this award represents the USFWS's ongoing support for state-level fish conservation and hatchery operations that benefit sport fish populations and public access to recreational fishing resources across the United States.

This facility supports statewide fish production goals for several key recreational sportfish such as striped bass and largemouth bass. This renovation will address aging electrical and plumbing infrastructure pond banks an aging hatchery holding house among other issues. Ultimately this project is needed to ensure the reliable production of sport fish for years to come.