New facility stands in place of burned hatchery

PETERSBURG (AP) — King salmon eggs are once again growing near Petersburg in a state-owned hatchery restored after a March 2014 fire.

The Crystal Lake Hatchery is operated by the Southern Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association and has been rebuilt to incorporate new technology, KFSK-FM reported.

“Even the cost of running things, everything is so much more efficient now,” said manager Loren Thompson.

The fire destroyed over a million King salmon eggs as well as outdated, 30-year-old machinery. It's suspected that an old wall heater ignited the blaze.

Thompson says the rebuilt facility holds...