Introduced Legislation Would Reauthorize the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund

This week, Senators Dan Sullivan (R-AK) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), along with six of their colleagues, introduced legislation to reauthorize the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund (Trust Fund), a critical program that supports boating access, conservation and infrastructure across the country. The Senate bill (S.4250) serves as a companion to recently introduced House legislation (H.R.3858), signaling strong momentum in Congress to extend one of the nation’s most effective user-pay, public-benefit programs, which is a top priority for NMMA.

The Trust Fund has been a cornerstone of the recreational boating and fishing community. Funded through excise taxes paid by boaters, anglers and manufacturers rather than general taxpayer dollars, the program generates more than $750 million annually to support conservation and recreation infrastructure projects in all 50 states. These investments improve access to public waters, enhance safety and sustain healthy fisheries.

At a time when participation remains strong, with more than 85 million Americans boating and fishing each year, the Trust Fund is essential to ensure states and local communities can continue meeting growing demand. The Trust Fund plays a key role in maintaining and expanding access while supporting conservation efforts that keep waterways healthy and accessible.

The recreational boating industry is uniquely American. It generates $230 billion in annual economic impact, supports more than 812,000 U.S. jobs, and is made up largely of small businesses. In fact, 95% of boats sold in the United States are made in America, and 93% of boat builders are small businesses. These businesses rely on strong infrastructure and access to continue serving families and communities across the country.

The Senate bill included six additional bipartisan cosponsors, including Senators Wicker (R-MS), Sheehy (R-MT), Blackburn (R-TN), Peters (D-MI), Rosen (D-NV), and Klobuchar (D-MN), underscoring broad bipartisan support for the Trust Fund and its long-standing success. Congress must reauthorize the Trust Fund by September 30 to ensure continued investment in access, infrastructure and conservation.