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

Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Rob Wittman (R-VA) introduced legislation to reauthorize the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund (Trust Fund), which funds critical conservation programs and recreational boating infrastructure projects in all 50 states. The Trust Fund – which was established in 1950 – is a cornerstone of the outdoor recreation economy, supporting fisheries conservation, boating access and aquatic education across the country.

The user-pay Trust Fund directs excise tax revenue from fishing equipment, motorboat fuel and other boating-related sources into a range of national and state-level programs. The approximately $700 million annual fund helps finance critical efforts such as fishery restoration, boating access and infrastructure, fish stocking and aquatic education that benefit millions of anglers and boaters.

The newly introduced legislation builds on previous reauthorization efforts and includes unique opportunities for recreational boating, such as incentives for marinas to offer alternative marine fuels – a top priority for the industry.