The Sport Fish Restoration Act of 1950 (Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act), 64 Stat.
430 as amended; 16 U.S.C.
777-777m, was passed on August 9, 195 0. It was modeled after the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to create a parallel program for management conservation,
and restoration of fishery resources.
The Sport Fish Restoration Grant Program (SFR) is funded by revenues collected from the manufacturers of fishing rods, reels, creels, lures, flies and artificial baits, who pay an excise tax on these items to the U. S. Treasury.
An amendment in 1984 (Wallop-Breaux Amendment) added new provisions to the Act by extending the excise tax to previously untaxed items of sport fishing equipment.
SFR provides funding to restore, conserve, manage, or enhance sport fish populations and the public use and benefits from these resources; and to provide boating access to public waters.
Additional information about SFR is on the internet at http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/GrantPrograms/SFR/SFR.htm.