Officials with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries announced today that the shrimp refrigeration cost-share program has closed. Due to the large number of applications received and the limited amount of funds, the department is closing the application portal.

The program, announced in July, will provide 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. The application period opened on August 31st, 2015 and by the end of the day a large number of applications were received.

Staff will review the submitted applications and work directly with the applicants to determine eligibility.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries is charged with managing and protecting Louisiana’s abundant natural resources. For more information, visit us at www.wlf.louisiana.gov, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ldwffb, or follow us on Twitter @LDWF.

To sign up for LDWF commercial fishing alerts sent as text messages or as emails visit http://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/signup.

For press inquiries, contact Rene LeBreton at [email protected] or (504) 286-8745.