Dicks highlighted efforts by Rep. Hans Dunshee, D-Snohomish, that he said would help fund hatcheries, testifying at a work session on the economic impact of the state's fisheries.
“They’re talking about doing some funding for hatcheries in Puget Sound, which I think would be a good idea,” Dicks said after the meeting of the Senate natural resources committee. “It’s a job creator, helps the harvest, it’s a great idea.”
Hatchery improvement funding was part of Dunshee's Jobs Package Project List, released last month.
The committee also heard from commercial, recreational and tribal fishery stakeholders about the issue -- including chairman of the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission and Nisqually tribal activist Billy Frank Jr. -- who testified that fisheries and the economy are interlinked.
Committee member Sen. Debbie Regala, D-Tacoma, said the work session was about considering long-term consequences of decisions regarding the budget.
"This was important to remind us that we have these really incredible natural resources that are part of our economy, that provide jobs, that provide economic stimulus in our communities, and when we make decisions, we have to be careful not to short change that," she said.
The committee will have a public hearing Wednesday for a proposal about managing hatcheries through state and private partnerships. It would put proceeds from harvesting hatchery chum salmon toward operating the facilities.
