§669h–2 Multistate Conservation Grant Program

Summary

The Secretary of the Interior may use up to $3,000,000 each year from the fund to make multistate conservation project grants. The Secretary may also use up to $5,000,000 each year from the money paid under the tax in section 4161(b) of title 26 only for grants that support hunter recruitment and recreational shooter recruitment, including national recruitment programs and related communication and outreach. Money made available can be spent only in the fiscal year it is provided and the next fiscal year. After that, any leftover money must be split among the States as described in section 669c(b) and used the same way as those apportioned funds. A project can get a grant only if it helps at least 26 States, or a majority of States in a Fish and Wildlife Service region, or a regional association of State fish and game departments. Grants may be given only for projects on a priority list. The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies makes and approves the list through a committee of State fish and game leaders, after consulting conservation groups, sportsmen groups, and related industries, and sends it to the Assistant Director for Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Programs by October 1 each year. The Assistant Director must publish each list in the Federal Register. Grants may go to a State or group of States, to the Fish and Wildlife Service for the national survey, or to a nongovernmental organization that certifies it will not use the money to promote opposition to regulated hunting, trapping, or recreational shooting and will follow the grant rules. Any organization that breaks that promise must return the money and may face penalties. Grants may not be used to promote opposition to regulated hunting, trapping, or recreational shooting. Chapter 10 of title 5 does not apply to activities under this program.