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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Mike Hanna |
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Hanna supports Susquehanna River Basin projects
HARRISBURG, April 1 – State Rep. Mike Hanna, D-Clinton/Centre, is voicing his support for a proposal that would improve migratory fish passage at several sites along the Susquehanna River Basin.
Hanna recently signed a letter of support with area lawmakers for an application being sought by state and federal agencies for several projects that are crucial to connecting diadromous fish, which can live and breed in fresh or salt water, to the Chesapeake Bay.
The application proposes the removal of 10 dams at several tributaries in the basin. Additionally, it seeks to construct fishways, which help fish navigate through dams, at the Williamsport and Lock Haven dams, and the inflatable dam in Sunbury.
Hanna said the fish in the Susquehanna River travel between the Chesapeake Bay and both the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, beginning in the Allegheny Ridge, and the main branch, beginning in upstate New York. The two branches meet in Sunbury.
"The Susquehanna River is precious to Pennsylvania for the ecological, industrial and recreational resources it provides," Hanna said. "These projects will not only help maintain the aquatic life that exists in the river but also diversify it."
The application is being sought by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection,
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Susquehanna River Basin Commission.
The Susquehanna River is the nation's 16th largest river and is the longest river lying entirely in the United States that flows into the Atlantic Ocean.