Heinrich: $20.7 Million To Support New Mexico Wildlife And Conservation Programs From Excise Taxes On Anglers, Hunters, Boaters

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), a member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, welcomed the U.S. Department of Interior's announcement today that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will distribute $20,698,851 in excise tax revenues paid by sportsmen, recreational shooters, and boaters to fund fish and wildlife conservation and recreation projects across New Mexico.

"Hunting and fishing are a way of life for thousands of New Mexicans and the taxes paid by sportsmen in our state help support wildlife management and conservation programs that enhance our rich outdoor traditions," said Sen. Heinrich. "I continue to support these critical programs because they ensure that our children, and our children's children, will have the same outdoor opportunities that we had growing up."

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will distribute the funds through the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration programs. Revenues come from excise taxes are generated by the sale of sporting firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, fishing equipment and tackle, and electric outboard motors.

The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration programs have generated a total of more than $15 billion since their inception -- in 1937 in the case of the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Program and 1950 for the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Program -- to conserve fish and wildlife resources. The recipient fish and wildlife agencies have matched these program funds with more than $5 billion. This funding is critical to sustaining healthy fish and wildlife populations and providing opportunities for all to connect with nature.

For more information on the U.S. Department of Interior's funding announcement, click here: http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/secretary-jewell-announces-1-1-billion-to-state-wildlife-agencies-from-excise-taxes-on-anglers-hunters-and-boaters.cfm