WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Angus S. King, Jr. (I-ME) announced today that the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife will receive more than $9 million in excise tax revenues to fund fish and wildlife conservation and recreation projects.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is distributing $5,761,219 through the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration program and $3,598,719 through Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration program. Revenues come from excise taxes generated by the sale of sporting firearms, ammunition, archery equipment, fishing equipment and tackle, and electric outboard motors. Recreational boaters also contribute to the program through fuel taxes on motorboats and small engines.

“Maine has a rich and longstanding heritage of outdoor recreation,” said Senators Collins and King. “These funds are a direct investment by Maine’s sportsmen and women not only to continue that heritage, but also to preserve and protect Maine’s natural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of generations to come.”

The Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs have generated a total of more than $15.3 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 $5.1 billion. This funding is critical to sustaining healthy fish and wildlife populations and providing opportunities for all to connect with nature.

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