AUGUSTA — Programs that support fish and wildlife restoration and hunter education are set to receive more than $16 million from the federal government in Maine.

The money is from the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.

Nearly $10 million will be dedicated to providing grants to agencies in the state that handle wildlife research, species reintroduction, and habitat management and restoration, the state’s two U.S. senators said.

Independent Sen. Angus King and Republican Sen. Susan Collins said nearly $4 million will go to conserving Maine waters and more than 70 species of freshwater and sport fish. The rest of the money will be used to increase access to hunting, fishing and boating in the state, they said.

The senators said the money represents a “significant investment in Maine’s future and will boost the conservation of the state’s outdoors, wildlife, and recreation for future generations to come.”

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