By Catherine Wolf, KWMU
St. Louis, MO –
The national Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program will distribute more than $146 million to seven Midwestern states this year. The program is part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The funds come from import duties and taxes on hunting and fishing items.
Dan Zarlenga is a spokesman for the Missouri Department of Conservation. He says the state will use the money to renovate fish hatcheries, maintain wildlife conservation areas, and maintain boat and fishing access.
"The more that we can utilize this funding that we've already spent essentially by buying these items, the better we can make our habitat for future hunting and fishing."
Zarlenga says funds will also be used for hunter education programs.
The Restoration Program will distribute more than $740 million nationally.