Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Launches Shrimp Refrigeration Cost-Share Program for Shrimp Industry

   01.24.14

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Launches Shrimp Refrigeration Cost-Share Program for Shrimp Industry

Today, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced  the launch of a shrimp refrigeration cost-share program for shrimp industry members. This announcement marks the latest endeavor to support the seafood industry with equipment upgrades. The program gives eligible shrimp vessel owners, docks, and processing facilities the opportunity to qualify for 50 percent of any authorized refrigeration equipment costs, up to $30,000.  Participants in this program may purchase and install advanced refrigeration equipment onboard their vessels or at their facility in order to produce high-quality seafood products.

Wholesale/Retail dealers who want to participate must first be enrolled in the Louisiana Wild Seafood Certification Program (LWSCP), a voluntary program for Louisiana wild seafood that was passed by the Louisiana Legislature in 2010. LWSCP was developed with the intention of establishing a more professional seafood industry with better handling practices and higher quality products.

Eligible Equipment

Some examples of equipment that are eligible for this program are: Seawater chilling systems, ice makers—limited to land based facilities only, freezers, generators—tied to a refrigeration system, cooler/freezer boxes and associated insulations, brine freezers, plate freezers, other freezer types, combined commercial refrigeration units, condensers and coils of split refrigeration systems, refrigeration supplies, electrical supplies—tied to a refrigeration system, and other equipment and supplies that can be verifiably associated with shrimp refrigeration. All equipment will be evaluated as a complete system to ensure it will meet refrigeration needs of the vessel or facility.  New equipment and currently installed equipment that was purchased beginning January 1, 2010 will be eligible for reimbursement provided it meets program requirements.  New equipment to be installed must be approved prior to purchase. Reimbursement for labor costs associated with professional installation of equipment is limited to 15% of the total cost of equipment, not to exceed $4,500. Final approval of funds disbursement may be subject to an inspection.

Application Process

Applicants must complete a separate application for each LDWF license and each business physical location.  Successful applicants will receive an equipment approval letter notifying them when to purchase the eligible equipment and will be given a deadline to submit receipts for the purchased equipment.

To apply for this program, download a copy of the application packet at the following link http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/SRGP/application. Applicants who are unable to download the application and would like a copy mailed to them should contact LDWF at 225-765-3980 or toll-free 855-262-1764. Applicants who need language assistance to complete the application should contact South Central Planning and Development Commission at 985-655-1051 or toll-free 1-800-630-3791. Funding is allocated. annually, and applications will be selected based on available funds.  To ensure your application receives consideration for funding during this fiscal year, your application must be received no later than March 31st, 2014. Applications will continue to be accepted after this date but may be subject to placement on a waiting list until the next funding allocation. Eligible applicants with completed applications will be awarded funding in order, by postmark/received date of last document submitted.

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The Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries – Enforcement Division(LDWF) is the fish & game regulatory agency of Louisiana. It has jurisdictionanywhere in the state, and in state territorial waters. The agency enforces both state and federal laws dealing with hunting, fishing, and boating safety. The agency also enforces criminal laws in rural areas including DWI enforcement both on highways and waterways. Most of the Department’s Wildlife Agents also carry Federal law enforcement commissions issued from the United States Department of the Interior - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and United States Department of Commerce - U.S. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). These federal commissions allow these state officers to enforce federal migratory waterfowl laws and federal marine fisheries laws in state and federal waters off the coast of Louisiana. Besides their traditional role as a “game warden”, Louisiana Wildlife Enforcement Agents also have a number of other responsibilities, including conducting board of health inspections on some portions of the state’s commercial fishing industry. Agents are trained in and conduct numerous search and rescue operations, both in remote land areas and on the state’s waterways. Agents ensure that hunters, anglers, boaters, dealers, breeders, farmers, and transporters are in compliance with regulations governing equipment, quotas, licenses, and registrations. Agents also assist other State departments and law enforcement agencies in the coordination of educational and professional endeavors, as well as national and state emergency alerts by the Federal Office of Emergency Preparedness. In addition, agents perform search and rescue missions alone or in conjunction with other local, state, and federal agencies.

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