Senate Introduces S.4250 to Reauthorize the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund

"NMMA applauds Senators Sullivan and Cantwell for their bipartisan leadership in introducing legislation to reauthorize the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund," said Clay Crabtree, Interim Vice President of Public Policy and Government Relations at the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). "For more than 75 years, this user-pay, public-benefit program has been the backbone of conservation and boating infrastructure in all 50 states, supporting access to our nation's waterways and strengthening local economies. As lawmakers look to support America's outdoor recreation future, reauthorizing and modernizing this program is essential to ensuring that boaters and anglers continue to have safe, reliable access to public waters while supporting the small businesses and manufacturers that power the uniquely American recreational boating industry."

The Trust Fund has been a cornerstone of the recreational boating and fishing community. Funded through excise taxes paid by boaters, anglers, and manufacturers - not general taxpayer dollars - the program generates more than $750 million annually to support conservation and recreation infrastructure projects in all 50 states. These investments improve access to public waters, enhance safety, and sustain healthy fisheries.

At a time when participation remains strong, with more than 85 million Americans boating and fishing each year, the Trust Fund is essential to ensure states and local communities can continue meeting growing demand. The Trust Fund plays a key role in maintaining and expanding access while supporting conservation efforts that keep waterways healthy and accessible.

The recreational boating industry is uniquely American. It generates $230 billion in annual economic impact, supports more than 812,000 U.S. jobs, and is made up largely of small businesses. In fact, 95 percent of boats sold in the United States are made in America, and 93 percent of boat builders are small businesses. These businesses rely on strong infrastructure and access to continue serving families and communities across the country.

The Senate bill included six additional bipartisan cosponsors, including Senators Wicker (R-MS), Sheehy (R-MT), Blackburn (R-TN), Peters (D-MI), Rosen (D-NV), and Klobuchar (D-MN), underscoring broad bipartisan support for the Trust Fund and its long-standing success. Congress must reauthorize the Trust Fund by September 30 to ensure continued investment in access, infrastructure, and conservation.

NMMA will continue working with lawmakers and partners to advance this legislation and ensure America's waterways remain open, accessible, and well maintained for future generations. For more information, please contact Clay Crabtree, interim Vice President of Public Policy and government Relations, at [email protected].