WASHINGTON, DC – Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Michael Bennet (D-CO) announced the Department of Interior is distributing $29,015,796 to “support critical state conservation and outdoor recreation projects.”

According to the Department of Interior, “The funds, which are distributed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, support critical state conservation and outdoor recreation projects. They are derived from excise taxes paid by the hunting, shooting, boating and angling industries on firearms, bows and ammunition and sport fishing tackle, some boat engines, and small engine fuel.”

“This is great news for every Coloradan who enjoys our state’s beautiful public lands,” said Gardner. “Colorado has some of the best outdoor destinations in the world and it is critically important we preserve these national treasures for future generations. This funding will now be returned to the state and utilized for conservation projects around Colorado.”

“This funding is critical to wildlife conservation and will give Colorado Parks and Wildlife the resources it needs to expand outdoor recreation opportunities for Coloradans across our state,” said Bennet.