Ernst seeks to reel in massive grant to VA fishing group over salaries, more
Senator Joni Ernst, a prominent figure in the Senate, is currently embroiled in a battle to reclaim a substantial federal grant from a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting fishing, boating, and outdoor activities. Ernst has raised concerns about the grant, which she believes is being misused to inflate executive salaries within the organization. The nonprofit in question, the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF), has vehemently denied these allegations.
The grant in question amounts to a staggering $27 million, with over $26 million already disbursed. Records show that RBFF has received a total of $164 million in funding since 2012, with a significant portion of that amount coming in 2024. The grant was intended to support RBFF’s “Take Me Fishing” consumer campaign, which includes various components such as social and digital media outreach, advertising on Disney-branded streaming platforms, and mobile fishing units aimed at urban and underserved communities.
One of the notable expenditures highlighted in the grant is a $1.99 million contract with Disney, along with $204,000 allocated for SEO consulting, $5 million for media services from a Minnesota agency, and $189,000 for accommodations at an Atlanta hotel. Additionally, RBFF’s top officials have been receiving six-figure salaries, totaling over $1.5 million, with the organization’s president reportedly earning around $318,000 annually.
Despite these revelations, RBFF has defended its expenditures, insisting that the funds are being utilized responsibly to attract more Americans to the joys of fishing and boating. The nonprofit emphasized its role in bolstering local economies and supporting small businesses through increased participation in outdoor activities. RBFF cited the significant economic impact of fishing, noting that American anglers contribute nearly $150 billion to the economy and support 1 million jobs nationwide.
RBFF underscored that its funding is derived from a competitive grant awarded by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service through the Sport Fish Restoration excise tax, with additional support from state agencies, industry stakeholders, and retailers across the country. The organization stressed its commitment to driving economic activity in every state and fostering a thriving outdoor recreation industry.
Senator Ernst, however, remains skeptical of RBFF’s spending practices, accusing the organization of prioritizing expensive consultants over the interests of American taxpayers. She called for greater oversight of federal grants and urged the Department of the Interior to reevaluate the remaining funds allocated to RBFF. Ernst humorously remarked that it was time for these consultants to “go fish” and explore other opportunities beyond government grants.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Department of the Interior for further insights on the grant, seeking clarity on the decision-making process that led to the allocation of funds to RBFF. The controversy surrounding the grant underscores the ongoing scrutiny of federal spending and the need for transparency in how taxpayer dollars are utilized by nonprofit organizations.
(Source: Original Article from Fox News Digital)
