Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Access Subprogram |
Subprogram of the Sport Fish Restoration Grant Program with a purpose to acquire land for new facilities, build new facilities, or acquire, renovate, or improve existing facilities to create or improve public access to the waters of the United States or improve the suitability of these waters for recreational boating.
TITLE 16--CONSERVATION
CHAPTER 10B--FISH RESTORATION AND MANAGEMENT PROJECTS Sec. 777g(1)
Each State shall allocate 15 percent of the funds apportioned to it for each fiscal year under section 777c of this title for the payment of up to 75 percent of the costs of the acquisition, development, renovation, or improvement of facilities (and auxiliary facilities necessary to insure the safe use of such facilities) that create, or add to, public access to the waters of the United States to improve the suitability of such waters for recreational boating purposes. Notwithstanding this provision, States within a United States Fish and Wildlife Service Administrative Region may allocate more or less than 15 percent in a fiscal year, provided that the total regional allocation averages 15 percent over a 5 year period.
What is the source of funds for this grant program?
The funds apportioned annually are derived from excise taxes on fishing equipment, motorboat and small engine fuels, import duties, and interest collected in the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. These funds are apportioned to the states, the District of Columbia and insular areas based on a formula which includes land area, number of paid license holders, minimums and maximums.
Is there a mandatory spending requirement for this program?
The Sport Fish Restoration Act mandates each state, the District of Columbia and insular area to allocate at least 15 percent of their annual Sport Fish Restoration apportionment to boating access projects. The allocation is averaged over a five year period for each U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service region.
What happens if a state allocates more or less than the required 15%?
An individual State agency may allocate more or less than 15 percent of its annual apportionment in a single Federal fiscal year (with the Regional Director’s approval) as long as the total allocation for the Recreational Boating Access subprogram in that State's Region meets or exceeds 15 percent of the Sport Fish Restoration funds apportioned to the States in that Region within a five year period.
Are the five year periods rolling or designated?