NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (AP) — The Virginia Marine Resources Commission is using money paid by recreational saltwater fishermen to keep its declining number of police officers on patrol.
The funding shift is part of the commission's cost cutting as it struggles with millions of dollars in budget cuts. Most of the saltwater angler fees used to fund projects such as fishing piers and youth fishing clinics.
The Newport News-based commission has also instituted other savings, such as printing on both sides of paper and not replacing workers who have retired or resigned.
Still, commission spokesman John Bull said the agency has fewer patrols out and fewer violators being caught.
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Information from: Daily Press, http://www.dailypress.com
