WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today praised committee passage of the Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2021. The legislation would reauthorize the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, which provides nearly $650 million each year for fishery restoration and conservation programs, boating access and infrastructure, and fish stocking programs important to recreational anglers. The legislation also includes language to reauthorize the Pittman-Robertson Act and extend the Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund, which directs funds to land conservation efforts, hunter education, and archery and shooting ranges.

“Mississippi’s recreational fishermen and hunters have relied upon the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund and the Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund to support conservation efforts and protect vital habitats,” said Senator Wicker. “This legislation would reauthorize these important funds while also implementing studies aimed to improve the programs. I appreciate the work of the Commerce Committee to advance this measure.”

In 2021, the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund directed $4.5 million to projects in Mississippi. The Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund directed $9.9 million to projects in Mississippi.

Among other provisions, The Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2021 would:

• Reauthorize the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund through fiscal year 2026;
• Authorize a report on the use of the Trust Fund toward improved non-motorized vessel access;
• Authorize a study on the impacts and potential solutions for abandoned vessels;
• Reauthorize the Pittman-Robertson Act, which has supported the Wildlife Restoration Trust Fund since 1937.