Just to clarify the discussion, what they mean by "deferred maintenance costs" is this: they are saying that there is some large amount of work to maintain the hatchery, that this work has needed to be done for some time, and has been deferred, or postponed. This implies that there is some significant work that is required in order to keep the hatchery running. Sounds to me like they don't have the money to do the work, and are trying to allocate what money they have to keep as many programs as they can running.

Folks in Washington, this is coming our way, too. Too many people voting to cut taxes without figuring out that something has to go. Our state (and national) park systems are also sitting on large amounts of deferred maintenance. It won't take much to make them have to be shut down because the outbuildings, roads and trails are unsafe. The politicians are going to have to chose between paying for recreational activities like fishing and hiking, and more basic services like roads and social services. "Coming to this location soon, LESS FUN 4 U". And why, because we told them to be listening to that thieving idiot, Tim Eyeman.

Not that I have an opinion on the subject or anything.