Utah has been awarded hefty amounts of funds for the conservation of wildlife and fish, according to a report.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Friday announced $1.5 billion in funding to support local and state outdoor recreation and conservation initiatives. Just over $28.3 million of it is going to Utah.
The funds come from the taxes collected from sales of recreational equipment, laid out for many years by the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act. Additional funding was derived from the recent Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) and infrastructure spending bill.
Department of Interior Deputy Secretary Tommy Beaudreau said the additional federal funds on top of the usual funding help “make significant progress in our work to protect our cherished wild treasures.”
“This is an investment that will allow us to conserve public lands for outdoor recreation enthusiasts and wildlife lovers alike,” Department of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland tweeted.
Utah is expected to receive more than $21 million in funding for wildlife-related projects and another $7.3 million to support projects for sportfish. The funds can be used to support projects that help restore, protect, manage, and enhance habitats for mammals, birds, and fish.
Martha Williams, the principal deputy director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said the money received from grants go to state agencies to support programs for restoration and protection of habitats for animals, acquire land and water rights for improved habitats, train anglers and hunters, as well as improve access to fishing and hunting.
“Everyone benefits from these investments, which have ensured a legacy of wildlife and outdoor opportunities for all,” she added, in a statement.