Morning Read: Could NYS lose $20 million in fish and wildlife money?
The Outdoor News is reporting that language in New York’s state budget could trigger a penalty in Federal spending that would cost the state $20 million earmarked for fish and wildlife programs.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has notified the state that it might not forward $20 million in funding because of a budget bill that would allow the Conservation Fund to be “swept.” (The money comes from federal programs known as Pittman-Robertson, Dingle-Johnson and Wallop-Breaux.)
Even though state officials say there are no plans to take money from the Conservation Fund, the fact the money could be used for purposes other than to support the state’s fish and wildlife programs makes the state susceptible to the funding loss, said John Organ, the U.S. F&W’s division chief for sport fish and wildlife restoration for the Northeast.
State officials told Outdoor News that they don’t think the money will be lost, but Federal officials say a legislative fix may be needed in Albany.
Sportsmen’s and environmental groups have long complained that money specifically earmarked for their programs — everything from land purchases to snowmobile trail maintenance — is being hoovered up by lawmakers and spent on other general fund projects.
In many cases, the revenue is generated by license fees paid by sportsmen.
(Hat tip: Adirondack Almanack)
Tags: economy
This is an ongoing problem, not only with the state but the federal government as well.
Let’s raid this fund to pay for something else is the never ending habit of legislators.
This money is from a 10 to 11% excise tax on ammunition, firearms and archery equipment instituted in 1937 and advocated by “sportsmen” at that time. The activities benefit all wildlife not just those hunted. It gets used for hunter education too.
I agree with Pete Klein like highway money that gets shuffled away from designated targets– somebody should keep their mitts off designated funds.
The benefit of things like Pittman-Robertson funds is that they are creating opportunity at no charge to the disinterested. But all share in the opportunity.
If I buy my gear elsewhere, less will come to NY.