The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, an agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior, announced a record $1.5 billion in annual funding through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) Program to support state and local outdoor recreational opportunities and wildlife and habitat conservation efforts, according to the National Marine Manufacturers Association website.

The announcement includes historic levels of funding for the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund (Trust Fund), which was reauthorized as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law late last year and will deliver significantly increased levels of funding for boating access projects and conservation efforts across the nation.

The WSFR Program apportions excise taxes on hunting, shooting and fishing equipment, and boat fuel to all 50 states and U.S. territories. The core value of all WSFR Programs is fostering cooperative partnerships between federal and state agencies, working alongside hunters, anglers, and other outdoor interests, to enhance recreational opportunities while advancing sustainable resource goals.