Issue: The Sportfish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund under the Highway bill is up for reauthorization in 2009. SRBTF is an important revenue stream for recreational fishing and boating organizations, the recreational boating and fishing industries, state agencies that administer the funds, outdoor recreation organizations and conservation organizations. The monies for this fund come from taxes levied on electric motors and sonars, import duties on tackle, pleasure boats and yachts, fishing equipment, motorboat fuel tax, and small engine fuel tax. Under this fund the public’s taxes go right back into helping to ensure their continued enjoyment of fishing and boating.

Action: participated in Angling and Boating Alliance to push for support of the Sportfish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund  with small changes to funding of programs in the package to give CG and USFWS set amounts of money off the top and percentages to the remaining programs. The group determined that no new programming or funding could be considered until budgets increase.