Congressman Cohen Announces $40.1 Million in Funding for Tennessee Wildlife Agencies

Press Release

Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), a member of the Committee on Natural Resources, announced that Tennessee's wildlife agencies will share $40.1 million in Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) grants authorized with the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Only Congressmen Cohen and Jim Cooper (TN-05) in the Tennessee Congressional delegation voted for the IIJA which President Biden signed into law in November.

Tennessee will receive a total of $40,143,048 to support state conservation and recreation programs:

$8,190,161 for sportfish restoration programs
$24,959,899 for wildlife restoration programs
$6,752,988 for basic hunter education programs
$240,000 for enhanced hunter education programs

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

"Strengthening our wildlife restoration programs ultimately helps improve our natural environment. I am pleased to announce this funding which will stimulate our state's economy and add to our ongoing conservation efforts. The benefits of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to Memphis and Tennessee cannot be overstated."

The WSFR program apportions the excise taxes on hunting, shooting and fishing equipment, and boat fuel, to all 50 states and U.S. territories to support local on-the-ground conservation programs across the country.

The WSFR program was reauthorized in November 2021 as part of the IIJA. The Sport Fish Restoration funds go toward restoration, conservation, management, and enhancing sport fish populations. The Wildlife Restoration funds go toward restoration, conservation, and management of wildlife for the benefit of the public, hunter education, and the development and management of shooting ranges.

To date, the Service has distributed more than $25.5 billion in apportionments for state conservation and recreation projects. These programs work to foster cooperative partnerships between federal and state agencies. By working with hunters, anglers, and others with outdoor interests, these programs serve to enhance recreational opportunities while advancing sustainable resource goals.

Congressman Cohen has been informing constituents of the benefits of the IIJA both locally and statewide.

Earlier this week, he announced the bill's transit funding. On Thursday, he announced significant funding for electric vehicle charging stations. Before that, Congressman Cohen called attention to historic levels of funding for bridges, water systems, and other infrastructure that will be paid for by the IIJA he voted for.

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