WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV) and Ranking Member John Thune (R-SD) today introduced legislation to help preserve and restore fishing habitats for the Nation’s sport fishermen, while creating jobs in the recreation industry.

The Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2014 would direct funding to state agencies for support of fisheries management, habitat conservation, and boating safety programs. Wildlife recreation supports tens of thousands of jobs across the country. In West Virginia, for example, 1.2 million people spent $1.16 billion in 2011 on fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching – money which directly supports local businesses and grows the economy. And in South Dakota, 662,000 people spent more than $966 million on fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching.

“We have some of the best fishing in the world in West Virginia that our families and others, from around the world, have enjoyed for generations,” said Rockefeller, who previously introduced the Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2011. “If we’re going to pass on this tradition to our children and grandchildren, which is also an economic lifeline for so many, we need to keep our rivers, lakes, and streams pristine and safe. The Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund is a proven way to create jobs and protect our waterways so they remain clean for recreation.”

“I am happy to work with Senator Rockefeller to reauthorize the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, which allows for increased opportunities for hunting and fishing provided by user fees,” said Thune, co-chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s caucus. “South Dakotans take pride in our hunting and fishing opportunities and always welcome visitors to take part in our strong tradition.”

Rockefeller and Thune’s legislation also reauthorizes through Fiscal Year 2021 the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, which has benefitted millions of anglers and fishermen since 1950. The Fund pools roughly $500 million annually in excise taxes on fishing equipment and boating fuel purchases, and allocates the funds on a formula basis to support state programs. In Fiscal Year 2013, West Virginia received more than $4.5 million, of which $3.6 million went to state sport fish and habitat conservation programs, and $900,000 went to state recreational boating safety and education. South Dakota received more than $5.2 million, of which $4.4 million went to state sport fish and habitat conservation programs, and $800,000 went to state recreational boating safety and education.

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