The Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration grant for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026 is currently paused. This grant, intended for aquatic ecosystem improvements and sustainable water resource management, is not accepting applications. Its original closing date of January 31, 2025, is suspended. The opportunity is under review; all program details like eligibility and procedures are being re-evaluated. It remains inactive until further notice from the Bureau. Updates on its status, including potential resumption or cancellation, will be announced. Applicants must await revised official guidance before preparing proposals.
Opportunity ID: 357615
General Information
| Document Type: | Grants Notice |
| Funding Opportunity Number: | R25AS00029 |
| Funding Opportunity Title: | WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and 2026 |
| Opportunity Category: | Discretionary |
| Opportunity Category Explanation: | – |
| Funding Instrument Type: | Cooperative Agreement Grant |
| Category of Funding Activity: | Environment |
| Category Explanation: | This Notice of Funding Opportunity and closing date are paused and under review until further notice. |
| Expected Number of Awards: | 20 |
| Assistance Listings: | 15.580 — Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program |
| Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: | Yes |
| Version: | Synopsis 6 |
| Posted Date: | Dec 10, 2024 |
| Last Updated Date: | Feb 03, 2025 |
| Original Closing Date for Applications: | Feb 17, 2026 Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m., MT, on the listed application due date. |
| Current Closing Date for Applications: | Jan 31, 2025 This Notice of Funding Opportunity and closing date are paused and under review until further notice. |
| Archive Date: | Apr 27, 2026 |
| Estimated Total Program Funding: | $95,000,000 |
| Award Ceiling: | $10,000,000 |
| Award Floor: | $500,000 |
Eligibility
| Eligible Applicants: | Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) |
| Additional Information on Eligibility: | This Notice of Funding Opportunity and closing date are paused and under review until further notice. |
Additional Information
| Agency Name: | Bureau of Reclamation |
| Description: |
This Notice of Funding Opportunity and closing date are paused and under review until further notice. |
| Link to Additional Information: | – |
| Grantor Contact Information: | If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact:
Alisha James
Email:bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov |
Version History
| Version | Modification Description | Updated Date |
|---|---|---|
| This Notice of Funding Opportunity and closing date are paused and under review until further notice. | Feb 03, 2025 | |
| Updated language | Dec 10, 2024 | |
| This Notice of Funding Opportunity is paused and under review until further notice. | Dec 10, 2024 | |
| Expected number of Awards, Closing Date Description, Close Date, Eligible Applicants, and Description have been updated. | Dec 10, 2024 | |
| Added clarification of closing dates | Dec 10, 2024 | |
| Dec 10, 2024 |
DISPLAYING: Synopsis 6
General Information
| Document Type: | Grants Notice |
| Funding Opportunity Number: | R25AS00029 |
| Funding Opportunity Title: | WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and 2026 |
| Opportunity Category: | Discretionary |
| Opportunity Category Explanation: | – |
| Funding Instrument Type: | Cooperative Agreement Grant |
| Category of Funding Activity: | Environment |
| Category Explanation: | This Notice of Funding Opportunity and closing date are paused and under review until further notice. |
| Expected Number of Awards: | 20 |
| Assistance Listings: | 15.580 — Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program |
| Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: | Yes |
| Version: | Synopsis 6 |
| Posted Date: | Dec 10, 2024 |
| Last Updated Date: | Feb 03, 2025 |
| Original Closing Date for Applications: | Feb 17, 2026 Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m., MT, on the listed application due date. |
| Current Closing Date for Applications: | Jan 31, 2025 This Notice of Funding Opportunity and closing date are paused and under review until further notice. |
| Archive Date: | Apr 27, 2026 |
| Estimated Total Program Funding: | $95,000,000 |
| Award Ceiling: | $10,000,000 |
| Award Floor: | $500,000 |
Eligibility
| Eligible Applicants: | Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) |
| Additional Information on Eligibility: | This Notice of Funding Opportunity and closing date are paused and under review until further notice. |
Additional Information
| Agency Name: | Bureau of Reclamation |
| Description: |
This Notice of Funding Opportunity and closing date are paused and under review until further notice. |
| Link to Additional Information: | – |
| Grantor Contact Information: | If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact:
Alisha James
Email:bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov |
DISPLAYING: Synopsis 5
General Information
| Document Type: | Grants Notice |
| Funding Opportunity Number: | R25AS00029 |
| Funding Opportunity Title: | WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and 2026 |
| Opportunity Category: | Discretionary |
| Opportunity Category Explanation: | – |
| Funding Instrument Type: | Cooperative Agreement Grant |
| Category of Funding Activity: | Environment |
| Category Explanation: | This Notice of Funding Opportunity and closing date are paused and under review until further notice. |
| Expected Number of Awards: | 20 |
| Assistance Listings: | 15.580 — Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program |
| Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: | Yes |
| Version: | Synopsis 5 |
| Posted Date: | Dec 10, 2024 |
| Last Updated Date: | Jan 31, 2025 |
| Original Closing Date for Applications: | – |
| Current Closing Date for Applications: | Apr 15, 2025 This Notice of Funding Opportunity and closing date are paused and under review until further notice. |
| Archive Date: | Apr 27, 2026 |
| Estimated Total Program Funding: | $95,000,000 |
| Award Ceiling: | $10,000,000 |
| Award Floor: | $500,000 |
Eligibility
| Eligible Applicants: | Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) |
| Additional Information on Eligibility: | This Notice of Funding Opportunity and closing date are paused and under review until further notice. |
Additional Information
| Agency Name: | Bureau of Reclamation |
| Description: |
This Notice of Funding Opportunity and closing date are paused and under review until further notice. |
| Link to Additional Information: | – |
| Grantor Contact Information: | If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact:
Alisha James
Email:bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov |
DISPLAYING: Synopsis 4
General Information
| Document Type: | Grants Notice |
| Funding Opportunity Number: | R25AS00029 |
| Funding Opportunity Title: | WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and 2026 |
| Opportunity Category: | Discretionary |
| Opportunity Category Explanation: | – |
| Funding Instrument Type: | Cooperative Agreement Grant |
| Category of Funding Activity: | Environment |
| Category Explanation: | – |
| Expected Number of Awards: | 20 |
| Assistance Listings: | 15.580 — Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program |
| Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: | Yes |
| Version: | Synopsis 4 |
| Posted Date: | Dec 10, 2024 |
| Last Updated Date: | Jan 31, 2025 |
| Original Closing Date for Applications: | – |
| Current Closing Date for Applications: | Apr 15, 2025 This Notice of Funding Opportunity is paused and under review until further notice. |
| Archive Date: | Apr 27, 2026 |
| Estimated Total Program Funding: | $95,000,000 |
| Award Ceiling: | $10,000,000 |
| Award Floor: | $500,000 |
Eligibility
| Eligible Applicants: | Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) |
| Additional Information on Eligibility: | This Notice of Funding Opportunity is paused and under review until further notice. |
Additional Information
| Agency Name: | Bureau of Reclamation |
| Description: |
This Notice of Funding Opportunity is paused and under review until further notice. |
| Link to Additional Information: | – |
| Grantor Contact Information: | If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact:
Alisha James
Email:bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov |
DISPLAYING: Synopsis 3
General Information
| Document Type: | Grants Notice |
| Funding Opportunity Number: | R25AS00029 |
| Funding Opportunity Title: | WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and 2026 |
| Opportunity Category: | Discretionary |
| Opportunity Category Explanation: | – |
| Funding Instrument Type: | Cooperative Agreement Grant |
| Category of Funding Activity: | Environment |
| Category Explanation: | – |
| Expected Number of Awards: | 20 |
| Assistance Listings: | 15.580 — Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program |
| Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: | Yes |
| Version: | Synopsis 3 |
| Posted Date: | Dec 10, 2024 |
| Last Updated Date: | Dec 17, 2024 |
| Original Closing Date for Applications: | – |
| Current Closing Date for Applications: | Apr 15, 2025 This rolling funding opportunity has two application periods with a final closing date of February 17, 2026 at 4:00pm MST. 1) First Application Period deadline is April 15, 2025 at 4pm MDT. 2) Second Application Period deadline is February 17, 2026 at 4:00pm MST. Applications received after 4:00pm MDT on April 15, 2024 and before February 17, 2026 4:00pm MST will be considered for the Second Application Period. |
| Archive Date: | Apr 27, 2026 |
| Estimated Total Program Funding: | $95,000,000 |
| Award Ceiling: | $10,000,000 |
| Award Floor: | $500,000 |
Eligibility
| Eligible Applicants: | Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) |
| Additional Information on Eligibility: | Eligible Category A Applicants States, Tribes, irrigation districts, or water districts; State, regional, or local authorities, the members of which include one or more organizations with water or power delivery authority; Agencies established under State law for the joint exercise of powers; Other entities or organizations that own a facility that is eligible for upgrade, modification, or removal. All applicants must be located in the Western United States or Territories as identified in the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902, as amended and supplemented; specifically: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands. Eligible Category B Applicants: Nonprofit conservation organizations that are acting in partnership with, and with the agreement of an entity described in Category A, with respect to a project involving land or infrastructure owned by the Category A entity. All Category B applicants must be located in the United States, or the specific Territories identified above. Category B applicants should include with their application a letter from the Category A partner stating that the Category A partner: Is acting in partnership with the applicant; Agrees to the submittal and content of the application; and intends to participate in the project in some way, for example, by providing input, feedback, or other support for the project. |
Additional Information
| Agency Name: | Bureau of Reclamation |
| Description: |
The U.S. Department of the Interior’s (Department) Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects (AERP) provides a framework for Federal leadership and assistance to restore and protect aquatic ecosystems in support of the Department’s priorities. Through AERP, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to work cooperatively with States, Tribes, and other entities as they study, design and construct aquatic ecosystem restoration projects that are collaboratively developed, have widespread regional benefits, and result in an improvement to the health of fisheries, wildlife, and aquatic habitat through restoration or improved fish passage. Restoring and connecting aquatic ecosystems offers wide-ranging benefits for both communities and the environment. Functioning aquatic and wetland ecosystems provide essential habitat for fish and wildlife, improve water quality, store excess carbon, help mitigate the impacts of drought and flood events, and support water supply resiliency for multiple uses. |
| Link to Additional Information: | – |
| Grantor Contact Information: | If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact:
Alisha James
Email:bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov |
DISPLAYING: Synopsis 2
General Information
| Document Type: | Grants Notice |
| Funding Opportunity Number: | R25AS00029 |
| Funding Opportunity Title: | WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and 2026 |
| Opportunity Category: | Discretionary |
| Opportunity Category Explanation: | – |
| Funding Instrument Type: | Cooperative Agreement Grant |
| Category of Funding Activity: | Environment |
| Category Explanation: | – |
| Expected Number of Awards: | – |
| Assistance Listings: | 15.580 — Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program |
| Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: | Yes |
| Version: | Synopsis 2 |
| Posted Date: | Dec 10, 2024 |
| Last Updated Date: | Dec 11, 2024 |
| Original Closing Date for Applications: | – |
| Current Closing Date for Applications: | Feb 17, 2026 First application period closes: Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Daylight Time (MDT)
Second application period closes: Tuesday, February 17, 2026, 4:00 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST) |
| Archive Date: | Apr 27, 2026 |
| Estimated Total Program Funding: | $95,000,000 |
| Award Ceiling: | $10,000,000 |
| Award Floor: | $500,000 |
Eligibility
| Eligible Applicants: | City or township governments Special district governments Independent school districts Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) For profit organizations other than small businesses Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities Small businesses County governments Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) |
| Additional Information on Eligibility: | Eligible Category A Applicants States, Tribes, irrigation districts, or water districts; State, regional, or local authorities, the members of which include one or more organizations with water or power delivery authority; Agencies established under State law for the joint exercise of powers; Other entities or organizations that own a facility that is eligible for upgrade, modification, or removal. All applicants must be located in the Western United States or Territories as identified in the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902, as amended and supplemented; specifically: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands. Eligible Category B Applicants: Nonprofit conservation organizations that are acting in partnership with, and with the agreement of an entity described in Category A, with respect to a project involving land or infrastructure owned by the Category A entity. All Category B applicants must be located in the United States, or the specific Territories identified above. Category B applicants should include with their application a letter from the Category A partner stating that the Category A partner: Is acting in partnership with the applicant; Agrees to the submittal and content of the application; and intends to participate in the project in some way, for example, by providing input, feedback, or other support for the project. |
Additional Information
| Agency Name: | Bureau of Reclamation |
| Description: |
The U.S. Department of the Interior’s (Department) Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects (AERP) provides a framework for Federal leadership and assistance to restore and protect aquatic ecosystems in support of the Department’s priorities. Through AERP, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to work cooperatively with States, Tribes, and other entities as they study, design and construct aquatic ecosystem restoration projects that are collaboratively developed, have widespread regional benefits, and result in an improvement to the health of fisheries, wildlife, and aquatic habitat through restoration or improved fish passage.Restoring and connecting aquatic ecosystems offers wide-ranging benefits for both communities and the environment. Functioning aquatic and wetland ecosystems provide essential habitat for fish and wildlife, improve water quality, store excess carbon, help mitigate the impacts of drought and flood events, and support water supply resiliency for multiple uses.The Bureau of Reclamation’s Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects funding opportunity provides support for priorities identified in Presidential Executive Order (E.O.) 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad and is aligned with other priorities, such as those identified in E.O. 13985: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects also support the goals of the Interagency Drought Relief Working Group established in March 2021 and the National Drought Resilience Partnership. This is a program covered by the Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain Federal climate, clean energy, water and wastewater infrastructure, and other covered investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.[1][1] For more information, see E.O. 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad (January 27, 2023), https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/02/01/2021-02177/tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad; Justice40 Initiative, https://www.whitehouse.gov/environmentaljustice/justice40/; Addendum to the Interim Implementation Guidance for the Justice 40 Initiative, M-21-28, on using the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST), M-23-09, (January 27, 2023), https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/M-23-09_Signed_CEQ_CPO.pdf. |
| Link to Additional Information: | – |
| Grantor Contact Information: | If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact:
Alisha James
Email:bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov |
DISPLAYING: Synopsis 1
General Information
| Document Type: | Grants Notice |
| Funding Opportunity Number: | R25AS00029 |
| Funding Opportunity Title: | WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and 2026 |
| Opportunity Category: | Discretionary |
| Opportunity Category Explanation: | – |
| Funding Instrument Type: | Cooperative Agreement Grant |
| Category of Funding Activity: | Environment |
| Category Explanation: | – |
| Expected Number of Awards: | – |
| Assistance Listings: | 15.580 — Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program |
| Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: | Yes |
| Version: | Synopsis 1 |
| Posted Date: | Dec 10, 2024 |
| Last Updated Date: | Dec 10, 2024 |
| Original Closing Date for Applications: | – |
| Current Closing Date for Applications: | Feb 17, 2026 Electronically submitted applications must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m., MT, on the listed application due date. |
| Archive Date: | Apr 27, 2026 |
| Estimated Total Program Funding: | $95,000,000 |
| Award Ceiling: | $10,000,000 |
| Award Floor: | $500,000 |
Eligibility
| Eligible Applicants: | City or township governments Special district governments Independent school districts Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) For profit organizations other than small businesses Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities Small businesses County governments Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) |
| Additional Information on Eligibility: | Eligible Category A ApplicantsStates, Tribes, irrigation districts, or water districts;State, regional, or local authorities, the members of which include one or more organizations with water or power delivery authority;Agencies established under State law for the joint exercise of powers;Other entities or organizations that own a facility that is eligible for upgrade, modification, or removal.All applicants must be located in the Western United States or Territories as identified in the Reclamation Act of June 17, 1902, as amended and supplemented; specifically: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands.Eligible Category B Applicants:Nonprofit conservation organizations that are acting in partnership with, and with the agreement of an entity described in Category A, with respect to a project involving land or infrastructure owned by the Category A entity. All Category B applicants must be located in the United States, or the specific Territories identified above.Category B applicants should include with their application a letter from the Category A partner stating that the Category A partner:Is acting in partnership with the applicant;Agrees to the submittal and content of the application; andIntends to participate in the project in some way, for example, by providing input, feedback, or other support for the project. |
Additional Information
| Agency Name: | Bureau of Reclamation |
| Description: | The U.S. Department of the Interior’s (Department) Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects (AERP) provides a framework for Federal leadership and assistance to restore and protect aquatic ecosystems in support of the Department’s priorities. Through AERP, the Bureau of Reclamation (Reclamation) leverages Federal and non-Federal funding to work cooperatively with States, Tribes, and other entities as they study, design and construct aquatic ecosystem restoration projects that are collaboratively developed, have widespread regional benefits, and result in an improvement to the health of fisheries, wildlife, and aquatic habitat through restoration or improved fish passage.Restoring and connecting aquatic ecosystems offers wide-ranging benefits for both communities and the environment. Functioning aquatic and wetland ecosystems provide essential habitat for fish and wildlife, improve water quality, store excess carbon, help mitigate the impacts of drought and flood events, and support water supply resiliency for multiple uses.The Bureau of Reclamation’s Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects funding opportunity provides support for priorities identified in Presidential Executive Order (E.O.) 14008: Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad and is aligned with other priorities, such as those identified in E.O. 13985: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government. Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects also support the goals of the Interagency Drought Relief Working Group established in March 2021 and the National Drought Resilience Partnership. This is a program covered by the Justice40 Initiative, which set the goal that 40 percent of the overall benefits of certain Federal climate, clean energy, water and wastewater infrastructure, and other covered investments flow to disadvantaged communities that are marginalized by underinvestment and overburdened by pollution.[1][1] For more information, see E.O. 14008, Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad (January 27, 2023), https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/02/01/2021-02177/tackling-the-climate-crisis-at-home-and-abroad; Justice40 Initiative, https://www.whitehouse.gov/environmentaljustice/justice40/; Addendum to the Interim Implementation Guidance for the Justice 40 Initiative, M-21-28, on using the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool (CEJST), M-23-09, (January 27, 2023), https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/M-23-09_Signed_CEQ_CPO.pdf. |
| Link to Additional Information: | – |
| Grantor Contact Information: | If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact:
Alisha James
bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov Email:bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov |
Related Documents
There are no related documents on this grant.
Packages
| Agency Contact Information: | Alisha James Email: bor-sha-fafoa@usbr.gov |
| Who Can Apply: | Organization Applicants |
| Assistance Listing Number | Competition ID | Competition Title | Opportunity Package ID | Opening Date | Closing Date | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15.580 | R25AS00029 | WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and 2026 | PKG00289578 | Dec 10, 2024 | Feb 17, 2026 | View |
Package 1
Mandatory forms
357615 SF424_4_0-4.0.pdf
357615 SF424A-1.0.pdf
357615 SF424B-1.1.pdf
357615 ProjectNarrativeAttachments_1_2-1.2.pdf
357615 BudgetNarrativeAttachments_1_2-1.2.pdf
Optional forms
357615 AttachmentForm_1_2-1.2.pdf
357615 SF424D-1.1.pdf
357615 SFLLL_2_0-2.0.pdf
357615 GG_LobbyingForm-1.1.pdf
357615 Project_AbstractSummary_2_0-2.0.pdf
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