Corps of Engineers' Acquisition of Fish Hatchery Proves Costly

摘要

The price the Corps of Engineers paid to acquire Crystal Springs Ranch fish hatchery in Twin Falls County, Idaho, has been extremely controversial because many people in the area associated with the trout farm industry believe the price was too high. In addition, steelhead trout, which will be raised on the site, could possibly be purchased from commercial hatcheries at a substantial savings to the Government. In view of the controversy surrounding these matters, the Chairman, House Committee on Public Works and Transportation, asked us to review the procedures the Corps used to select the hatchery, the method the appraiser used to arrive at his opinion of the hatchery's fair market value, and the possibility of the Corps providing the fish more economically by contracting with commercial hatcheries. (Author)