Sport Fish Restoration Grant Program - Region 5

The Sport Fish Restoration Act of 1950 (Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act), 64 Stat. 430 as amended; 16 U.S.C. 777-777m, was passed on August 9, 1950. It was modeled after the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to create a parallel program for management, conservation, and restoration of sport fishery resources. The Sport Fish Restoration Grant Program (SFR) is funded by revenues collected from excise taxes on sport fishing equipment, electric motors and sonar, import duties on fishing tackle, yachts and pleasure craft, and a portion of gasoline tax attributable to motorboats and small engines. Revenues are deposited into and appropriated from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. SFR provides funding to restore, conserve, manage, or enhance sport fish populations and the public use and benefits from these resources; to educate the public about aquatic resources; and to provide boating access to public waters. Monies are apportioned annually following a legislatively established formula to each of the eligible participants (State Fish and Wildlife Agencies).