March 25, 2014 — The state of Maine will receive $11.4 million in federal funds that are distributed to the states for fish and wildlife conservation and recreational uses each year, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announced on Tuesday.
In all, the USFWS will distribute $1.1 billion to states and U.S. territories. The funds are generated through two programs that disburse dedicated excise taxes that are paid by outdoors enthusiasts each time they purchase firearms, ammunition, archery equipment and boating and fishing gear.
In 1937, Congress created the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Program. That was followed in 1950 by the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Program.
Together, those programs have generated more than $15 billion over the years, all of which is shared by states and territories. Each state’s share is determined based on the state’s land area and by the number of hunting and fishing licenses it sells.
Maine’s share is the 10th lowest total disbursed this year, but Maine did receive more than any other state in New England. Texas ($51.6 million), Alaska ($48.8 million) and California ($41.6 million) topped the list of recipients.
“People who enjoy hunting, fishing, boating and recreational shooting provide a strong foundation for conservation funding in this country,” Sally Jewell, secretary of the interior, said in the news release. “The taxes they pay on equipment and boating fuel support critical fish and wildlife management and conservation efforts, create access for recreational boating and underpin education programs that help get kids outdoors.”
Read the full story at the Bangor Daily News