The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is offering the National Fish Passage Program grant, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, to provide technical and financial assistance for restoring aquatic connectivity. This grant supports projects like dam removals and culvert replacements, aiming to restore rivers, floodplains, and coastal habitats. The purpose is to rebuild productive fisheries, conserve aquatic species, enhance watershed health, and promote resilient ecosystems and communities, particularly in disadvantaged areas. Projects that maximize benefits to native species, offer sustainable fish passage, enhance community resilience to climate change, and engage local stakeholders are prioritized. The Service seeks proposals demonstrating clear timelines for on-the-ground implementation and large-scale ecosystem restoration.
Opportunity ID: 350554
General Information
| Document Type: | Grants Notice |
| Funding Opportunity Number: | F24AS00062 |
| Funding Opportunity Title: | F24AS00062 National Fish Passage Program Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Restoring River, Floodplain, and Coastal Connectivity and Resiliency |
| Opportunity Category: | Discretionary |
| Opportunity Category Explanation: | – |
| Funding Instrument Type: | Cooperative Agreement Grant |
| Category of Funding Activity: | Natural Resources |
| Category Explanation: | – |
| Expected Number of Awards: | – |
| Assistance Listings: | 15.685 — National Fish Passage |
| Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: | No |
| Version: | Synopsis 2 |
| Posted Date: | Oct 11, 2023 |
| Last Updated Date: | Oct 11, 2023 |
| Original Closing Date for Applications: | Dec 31, 2024 Interested applicants will follow this process:1) Contact the appropriate NFPP Regional Coordinator (see https://www.fws.gov/program/national-fish-passage/contact-us for contact information), 2) If your project meets NFPP eligibility, submit a Letter of Interest per the deadline and content identified in Section D2,3) Select applicants will work with Service staff to develop a proposal that addresses the criteria in Section E2 Review and Selection Process.Regional and National review will occur in fall 2023 and winter of 2024 with final project selections announced in spring 2024. Full applications in GrantSolutions for selected projects are by invitation only and are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on December 31, 2024 for FY24 funding or September 30, 2025 for FY2025 funds. See Section D2 Content and Form of Application Submission and Section E2 Review and Selection Process for deadlines and specific process information. Do not submit applications in GrantSolutions unless you have been invited.Due Date for Applications in GrantSolutions (Invited Applicants only)No later than December 31, 2024, for FY24 funds; and no later than September 30, 2025, for FY25 funds. |
| Current Closing Date for Applications: | Dec 31, 2024 Interested applicants will follow this process:1) Contact the appropriate NFPP Regional Coordinator (see https://www.fws.gov/program/national-fish-passage/contact-us for contact information), 2) If your project meets NFPP eligibility, submit a Letter of Interest per the deadline and content identified in Section D2,3) Select applicants will work with Service staff to develop a proposal that addresses the criteria in Section E2 Review and Selection Process.Regional and National review will occur in fall 2023 and winter of 2024 with final project selections announced in spring 2024. Full applications in GrantSolutions for selected projects are by invitation only and are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on December 31, 2024 for FY24 funding or September 30, 2025 for FY2025 funds. See Section D2 Content and Form of Application Submission and Section E2 Review and Selection Process for deadlines and specific process information. Do not submit applications in GrantSolutions unless you have been invited.Due Date for Applications in GrantSolutions (Invited Applicants only)No later than December 31, 2024, for FY24 funds; and no later than September 30, 2025, for FY25 funds. |
| Archive Date: | Dec 31, 2025 |
| Estimated Total Program Funding: | $70,000,000 |
| Award Ceiling: | $10,000,000 |
| Award Floor: | $250,000 |
Eligibility
| Eligible Applicants: | Small businesses Private institutions of higher education For profit organizations other than small businesses Independent school districts County governments Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Special district governments Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities State governments Individuals Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) City or township governments Public and State controlled institutions of higher education |
| Additional Information on Eligibility: | For eligible applicants to receive funding, NFPP BIL projects must be developed and implemented in coordination with FAC staff. FAC Program staff work collaboratively with potential applicants to identify common conservation priorities and provide technical assistance to applicants in the generation and development of projects. To be eligible for this funding, potential applicants must work with their local FAC Program staff to ensure the eligibility of their project (see Section D2 for letter of interest and proposal submission process and Section E2 for project review and selection process). Applicants may include, but are not limited to those on this list. |
Additional Information
| Agency Name: | Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Description: | The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (Pub. L. 117-58, November 15, 2021, “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” or “BIL”) provided $200 million for Federal Fiscal Years (FY) 2022 to 2026 to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) National Fish Passage Program (NFPP). This funding opportunity announcement outlines the deadlines, criteria, and process to select projects for NFPP BIL funding. The Service may choose to combine funding available in FY24 and FY25 for this opportunity. If combined, the total estimated amount available will be up to $72 million. This decision will be solely at the Service’s discretion but will be based on the timing of the award process and funding needs as expressed through the number of applications received and the amount of funds requested. This funding will be implemented in alignment with the priorities in Executive Order 14052, Implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (86 FR 64355).The NFPP is a voluntary program that provides direct technical and financial assistance to partners to remove instream barriers, restore aquatic organism passage, and restore climate resilient aquatic connectivity in rivers, floodplains, and coastal habitats for the benefit of Federal trust resources. The program targets aquatic connectivity opportunities that rebuild productive and sustainable fisheries, contribute to the recovery and conservation of the Service’s aquatic trust species, enhance watershed health, promote resilient ecosystems and communities especially in disadvantaged communities, and improve economic vitality, including local employment. NFPP aims to maintain or increase native fish populations to improve ecosystem resiliency and provide quality fishing experiences for the American people. Activities that restore aquatic connectivity and fish passage also support the modernization of the country’s infrastructure such as road culverts, bridges, and water diversions contributing to enhanced community resilience to the impacts from climate change and other public safety hazards. NFPP funds a variety of project types including, but not limited to dam removals, culvert replacements, floodplain restoration and reconnection, dike breaches, and reconnection of tidal habitats.The NFPP is delivered through the Service’s Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program (FAC) across all States and territories. FAC staff coordinate with project partners, stakeholders, and other Service programs to identify and collaboratively develop and implement projects within regional priority areas. Project work plans are developed strategically, in coordination with partners, and with substantial involvement from FAC staff. Projects must be based upon sound scientific and technical principles, advance the Service mission, and promote aquatic ecosystem resilience. Applicants seeking funding under this program should contact the regional NFPP Coordinator that corresponds to the location of the project for additional information on regional priorities and coordination with FAC staff prior to applying for funding. Contacts are listed at: https://www.fws.gov/program/national-fish-passage/contact-us.Interested applicants will follow this process:1) Contact the appropriate NFPP Regional Coordinator (https://www.fws.gov/program/national-fish-passage/contact-us),2) If your project meets NFPP eligibility, submit a Letter of Interest per the deadline and content identified in Section D2,3) Select applicants will work with Service staff to develop a proposal that addresses the criteria in Section E2 Review and Selection Process.Only applicants who have successfully completed these steps and have been selected for funding will be invited to submit an application in GrantSolutions.For programmatic technical assistance, contact: Pacific (ID, OR, WA, HI, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the territories of American Samoa and Guam,): John Netto, 503-724-8366, John_netto@fws.gov Southwest (AZ, NM, OK, TX): Trevor Luna, 505-617-5872, Trevor_luna@fws.gov Midwest (IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, OH, WI): Justin Chiotti, 248-891-0087, Justin_chiotti@fws.govSoutheast (AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MO, NC, SC, TN, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands): Walter “Tripp” Boltin, 843-819-1229, Walter_boltin@fws.gov Northeast (CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VA, VT, WV): Cathy Bozek, 413-253-8661, Catherine_bozek@fws.gov Mountain-Prairie (CO, KS, MT, ND, NE, SD, UT, WY): Kevin Johnson, 720-402-9506, Kevin_m_johnson@fws.gov Alaska (AK): Michael Daigneault, 907-830-9649, Michael_daigneault@fws.gov Pacific Southwest (CA, NV): Ryan Fogerty, 530-340-7900, Ryan_fogerty@fws.gov A principal objective of the NFPP is to provide technical assistance to partners in support of projects that aim to restore aquatic connectivity and aquatic organism passage through the removal of instream barriers and the reconnection of floodplains. We use our staff and cooperative partnerships to provide (1) information on native aquatic species habitat needs and methods for aquatic connectivity; (2) technical engineering support to develop or review project designs and recommend the most effective techniques; (3) assistance to partners in planning and prioritizing fish passage projects; and (4) assistance in fulfilling environmental compliance requirements.The NFPP prioritizes projects that will: (1) maximize benefits to native priority species and habitats; (2) provide sustainable fish passage benefits; (3) contribute to or otherwise leverage regional or watershed priorities for habitat restoration, fish passage, or aquatic connectivity; (4) enhance community resilience to climate change, address other public safety hazards and generally, provide other co-benefits such as job creation or recreational fishing opportunities; (5) involve advance coordination on species and watershed priorities with Tribes and States; (6) provide benefits to or engage with disadvantaged communities; and (7) be supported by partners, affected stakeholders, and the local community.Activities proposed under this award may include project planning and feasibility studies, engineering and design, permitting, on-the-ground fish passage restoration, near-term implementation monitoring, project outreach, and capacity to manage these project-related activities. Applicants may apply for funding to support any combination of these activities however, priority will be given to applications that can demonstrate a clear timeline and pathway for on-the-ground implementation within a timely manner (i.e., 1-4 years). Proposals that focus on the removal of barriers and natural channel or floodplain restoration will score higher in some evaluation criteria than proposals that focus on establishing passage around a barrier that are reliant on artificial passage structures such as fishways or fish ladders. Proposals are encouraged to maximize largescale ecosystem restoration and should do so by leveraging funding from other sources, with particular emphasis on BIL funding through other Federal agencies or may include multiple project sites throughout a watershed or other geographic area. |
| Link to Additional Information: | – |
| Grantor Contact Information: | If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact:
Amy Horstman
amy_horstman@fws.gov Email:amy_horstman@fws.gov |
Version History
| Version | Modification Description | Updated Date |
|---|---|---|
| Added supporting documentation. | Oct 11, 2023 | |
| Oct 11, 2023 |
DISPLAYING: Synopsis 2
General Information
| Document Type: | Grants Notice |
| Funding Opportunity Number: | F24AS00062 |
| Funding Opportunity Title: | F24AS00062 National Fish Passage Program Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Restoring River, Floodplain, and Coastal Connectivity and Resiliency |
| Opportunity Category: | Discretionary |
| Opportunity Category Explanation: | – |
| Funding Instrument Type: | Cooperative Agreement Grant |
| Category of Funding Activity: | Natural Resources |
| Category Explanation: | – |
| Expected Number of Awards: | – |
| Assistance Listings: | 15.685 — National Fish Passage |
| Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: | No |
| Version: | Synopsis 2 |
| Posted Date: | Oct 11, 2023 |
| Last Updated Date: | Oct 11, 2023 |
| Original Closing Date for Applications: | Dec 31, 2024 Interested applicants will follow this process:1) Contact the appropriate NFPP Regional Coordinator (see https://www.fws.gov/program/national-fish-passage/contact-us for contact information), 2) If your project meets NFPP eligibility, submit a Letter of Interest per the deadline and content identified in Section D2,3) Select applicants will work with Service staff to develop a proposal that addresses the criteria in Section E2 Review and Selection Process.Regional and National review will occur in fall 2023 and winter of 2024 with final project selections announced in spring 2024. Full applications in GrantSolutions for selected projects are by invitation only and are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on December 31, 2024 for FY24 funding or September 30, 2025 for FY2025 funds. See Section D2 Content and Form of Application Submission and Section E2 Review and Selection Process for deadlines and specific process information. Do not submit applications in GrantSolutions unless you have been invited.Due Date for Applications in GrantSolutions (Invited Applicants only)No later than December 31, 2024, for FY24 funds; and no later than September 30, 2025, for FY25 funds. |
| Current Closing Date for Applications: | Dec 31, 2024 Interested applicants will follow this process:1) Contact the appropriate NFPP Regional Coordinator (see https://www.fws.gov/program/national-fish-passage/contact-us for contact information), 2) If your project meets NFPP eligibility, submit a Letter of Interest per the deadline and content identified in Section D2,3) Select applicants will work with Service staff to develop a proposal that addresses the criteria in Section E2 Review and Selection Process.Regional and National review will occur in fall 2023 and winter of 2024 with final project selections announced in spring 2024. Full applications in GrantSolutions for selected projects are by invitation only and are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on December 31, 2024 for FY24 funding or September 30, 2025 for FY2025 funds. See Section D2 Content and Form of Application Submission and Section E2 Review and Selection Process for deadlines and specific process information. Do not submit applications in GrantSolutions unless you have been invited.Due Date for Applications in GrantSolutions (Invited Applicants only)No later than December 31, 2024, for FY24 funds; and no later than September 30, 2025, for FY25 funds. |
| Archive Date: | Dec 31, 2025 |
| Estimated Total Program Funding: | $70,000,000 |
| Award Ceiling: | $10,000,000 |
| Award Floor: | $250,000 |
Eligibility
| Eligible Applicants: | Small businesses Private institutions of higher education For profit organizations other than small businesses Independent school districts County governments Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Special district governments Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities State governments Individuals Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) City or township governments Public and State controlled institutions of higher education |
| Additional Information on Eligibility: | For eligible applicants to receive funding, NFPP BIL projects must be developed and implemented in coordination with FAC staff. FAC Program staff work collaboratively with potential applicants to identify common conservation priorities and provide technical assistance to applicants in the generation and development of projects. To be eligible for this funding, potential applicants must work with their local FAC Program staff to ensure the eligibility of their project (see Section D2 for letter of interest and proposal submission process and Section E2 for project review and selection process). Applicants may include, but are not limited to those on this list. |
Additional Information
| Agency Name: | Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Description: | The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (Pub. L. 117-58, November 15, 2021, “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” or “BIL”) provided $200 million for Federal Fiscal Years (FY) 2022 to 2026 to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) National Fish Passage Program (NFPP). This funding opportunity announcement outlines the deadlines, criteria, and process to select projects for NFPP BIL funding. The Service may choose to combine funding available in FY24 and FY25 for this opportunity. If combined, the total estimated amount available will be up to $72 million. This decision will be solely at the Service’s discretion but will be based on the timing of the award process and funding needs as expressed through the number of applications received and the amount of funds requested. This funding will be implemented in alignment with the priorities in Executive Order 14052, Implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (86 FR 64355).The NFPP is a voluntary program that provides direct technical and financial assistance to partners to remove instream barriers, restore aquatic organism passage, and restore climate resilient aquatic connectivity in rivers, floodplains, and coastal habitats for the benefit of Federal trust resources. The program targets aquatic connectivity opportunities that rebuild productive and sustainable fisheries, contribute to the recovery and conservation of the Service’s aquatic trust species, enhance watershed health, promote resilient ecosystems and communities especially in disadvantaged communities, and improve economic vitality, including local employment. NFPP aims to maintain or increase native fish populations to improve ecosystem resiliency and provide quality fishing experiences for the American people. Activities that restore aquatic connectivity and fish passage also support the modernization of the country’s infrastructure such as road culverts, bridges, and water diversions contributing to enhanced community resilience to the impacts from climate change and other public safety hazards. NFPP funds a variety of project types including, but not limited to dam removals, culvert replacements, floodplain restoration and reconnection, dike breaches, and reconnection of tidal habitats.The NFPP is delivered through the Service’s Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program (FAC) across all States and territories. FAC staff coordinate with project partners, stakeholders, and other Service programs to identify and collaboratively develop and implement projects within regional priority areas. Project work plans are developed strategically, in coordination with partners, and with substantial involvement from FAC staff. Projects must be based upon sound scientific and technical principles, advance the Service mission, and promote aquatic ecosystem resilience. Applicants seeking funding under this program should contact the regional NFPP Coordinator that corresponds to the location of the project for additional information on regional priorities and coordination with FAC staff prior to applying for funding. Contacts are listed at: https://www.fws.gov/program/national-fish-passage/contact-us.Interested applicants will follow this process:1) Contact the appropriate NFPP Regional Coordinator (https://www.fws.gov/program/national-fish-passage/contact-us),2) If your project meets NFPP eligibility, submit a Letter of Interest per the deadline and content identified in Section D2,3) Select applicants will work with Service staff to develop a proposal that addresses the criteria in Section E2 Review and Selection Process.Only applicants who have successfully completed these steps and have been selected for funding will be invited to submit an application in GrantSolutions.For programmatic technical assistance, contact: Pacific (ID, OR, WA, HI, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the territories of American Samoa and Guam,): John Netto, 503-724-8366, John_netto@fws.gov Southwest (AZ, NM, OK, TX): Trevor Luna, 505-617-5872, Trevor_luna@fws.gov Midwest (IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, OH, WI): Justin Chiotti, 248-891-0087, Justin_chiotti@fws.govSoutheast (AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MO, NC, SC, TN, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands): Walter “Tripp” Boltin, 843-819-1229, Walter_boltin@fws.gov Northeast (CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VA, VT, WV): Cathy Bozek, 413-253-8661, Catherine_bozek@fws.gov Mountain-Prairie (CO, KS, MT, ND, NE, SD, UT, WY): Kevin Johnson, 720-402-9506, Kevin_m_johnson@fws.gov Alaska (AK): Michael Daigneault, 907-830-9649, Michael_daigneault@fws.gov Pacific Southwest (CA, NV): Ryan Fogerty, 530-340-7900, Ryan_fogerty@fws.gov A principal objective of the NFPP is to provide technical assistance to partners in support of projects that aim to restore aquatic connectivity and aquatic organism passage through the removal of instream barriers and the reconnection of floodplains. We use our staff and cooperative partnerships to provide (1) information on native aquatic species habitat needs and methods for aquatic connectivity; (2) technical engineering support to develop or review project designs and recommend the most effective techniques; (3) assistance to partners in planning and prioritizing fish passage projects; and (4) assistance in fulfilling environmental compliance requirements.The NFPP prioritizes projects that will: (1) maximize benefits to native priority species and habitats; (2) provide sustainable fish passage benefits; (3) contribute to or otherwise leverage regional or watershed priorities for habitat restoration, fish passage, or aquatic connectivity; (4) enhance community resilience to climate change, address other public safety hazards and generally, provide other co-benefits such as job creation or recreational fishing opportunities; (5) involve advance coordination on species and watershed priorities with Tribes and States; (6) provide benefits to or engage with disadvantaged communities; and (7) be supported by partners, affected stakeholders, and the local community.Activities proposed under this award may include project planning and feasibility studies, engineering and design, permitting, on-the-ground fish passage restoration, near-term implementation monitoring, project outreach, and capacity to manage these project-related activities. Applicants may apply for funding to support any combination of these activities however, priority will be given to applications that can demonstrate a clear timeline and pathway for on-the-ground implementation within a timely manner (i.e., 1-4 years). Proposals that focus on the removal of barriers and natural channel or floodplain restoration will score higher in some evaluation criteria than proposals that focus on establishing passage around a barrier that are reliant on artificial passage structures such as fishways or fish ladders. Proposals are encouraged to maximize largescale ecosystem restoration and should do so by leveraging funding from other sources, with particular emphasis on BIL funding through other Federal agencies or may include multiple project sites throughout a watershed or other geographic area. |
| Link to Additional Information: | – |
| Grantor Contact Information: | If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact:
Amy Horstman
amy_horstman@fws.gov Email:amy_horstman@fws.gov |
DISPLAYING: Synopsis 1
General Information
| Document Type: | Grants Notice |
| Funding Opportunity Number: | F24AS00062 |
| Funding Opportunity Title: | F24AS00062 National Fish Passage Program Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Restoring River, Floodplain, and Coastal Connectivity and Resiliency |
| Opportunity Category: | Discretionary |
| Opportunity Category Explanation: | – |
| Funding Instrument Type: | Cooperative Agreement Grant |
| Category of Funding Activity: | Natural Resources |
| Category Explanation: | – |
| Expected Number of Awards: | – |
| Assistance Listings: | 15.685 — National Fish Passage |
| Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: | No |
| Version: | Synopsis 1 |
| Posted Date: | Oct 11, 2023 |
| Last Updated Date: | Oct 11, 2023 |
| Original Closing Date for Applications: | – |
| Current Closing Date for Applications: | Dec 31, 2024 Interested applicants will follow this process:1) Contact the appropriate NFPP Regional Coordinator (see https://www.fws.gov/program/national-fish-passage/contact-us for contact information), 2) If your project meets NFPP eligibility, submit a Letter of Interest per the deadline and content identified in Section D2,3) Select applicants will work with Service staff to develop a proposal that addresses the criteria in Section E2 Review and Selection Process.Regional and National review will occur in fall 2023 and winter of 2024 with final project selections announced in spring 2024. Full applications in GrantSolutions for selected projects are by invitation only and are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on December 31, 2024 for FY24 funding or September 30, 2025 for FY2025 funds. See Section D2 Content and Form of Application Submission and Section E2 Review and Selection Process for deadlines and specific process information. Do not submit applications in GrantSolutions unless you have been invited.Due Date for Applications in GrantSolutions (Invited Applicants only)No later than December 31, 2024, for FY24 funds; and no later than September 30, 2025, for FY25 funds. |
| Archive Date: | Dec 31, 2025 |
| Estimated Total Program Funding: | $70,000,000 |
| Award Ceiling: | $10,000,000 |
| Award Floor: | $250,000 |
Eligibility
| Eligible Applicants: | City or township governments Small businesses Special district governments State governments Public and State controlled institutions of higher education Individuals Nonprofits that do not have a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education County governments Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) For profit organizations other than small businesses Private institutions of higher education Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities Independent school districts Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education Others (see text field entitled “Additional Information on Eligibility” for clarification) Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) |
| Additional Information on Eligibility: | For eligible applicants to receive funding, NFPP BIL projects must be developed and implemented in coordination with FAC staff. FAC Program staff work collaboratively with potential applicants to identify common conservation priorities and provide technical assistance to applicants in the generation and development of projects. To be eligible for this funding, potential applicants must work with their local FAC Program staff to ensure the eligibility of their project (see Section D2 for letter of interest and proposal submission process and Section E2 for project review and selection process). Applicants may include, but are not limited to those on this list. |
Additional Information
| Agency Name: | Fish and Wildlife Service |
| Description: | The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 (Pub. L. 117-58, November 15, 2021, “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” or “BIL”) provided $200 million for Federal Fiscal Years (FY) 2022 to 2026 to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) National Fish Passage Program (NFPP). This funding opportunity announcement outlines the deadlines, criteria, and process to select projects for NFPP BIL funding. The Service may choose to combine funding available in FY24 and FY25 for this opportunity. If combined, the total estimated amount available will be up to $72 million. This decision will be solely at the Service’s discretion but will be based on the timing of the award process and funding needs as expressed through the number of applications received and the amount of funds requested. This funding will be implemented in alignment with the priorities in Executive Order 14052, Implementation of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (86 FR 64355).The NFPP is a voluntary program that provides direct technical and financial assistance to partners to remove instream barriers, restore aquatic organism passage, and restore climate resilient aquatic connectivity in rivers, floodplains, and coastal habitats for the benefit of Federal trust resources. The program targets aquatic connectivity opportunities that rebuild productive and sustainable fisheries, contribute to the recovery and conservation of the Service’s aquatic trust species, enhance watershed health, promote resilient ecosystems and communities especially in disadvantaged communities, and improve economic vitality, including local employment. NFPP aims to maintain or increase native fish populations to improve ecosystem resiliency and provide quality fishing experiences for the American people. Activities that restore aquatic connectivity and fish passage also support the modernization of the country’s infrastructure such as road culverts, bridges, and water diversions contributing to enhanced community resilience to the impacts from climate change and other public safety hazards. NFPP funds a variety of project types including, but not limited to dam removals, culvert replacements, floodplain restoration and reconnection, dike breaches, and reconnection of tidal habitats.The NFPP is delivered through the Service’s Fish and Aquatic Conservation Program (FAC) across all States and territories. FAC staff coordinate with project partners, stakeholders, and other Service programs to identify and collaboratively develop and implement projects within regional priority areas. Project work plans are developed strategically, in coordination with partners, and with substantial involvement from FAC staff. Projects must be based upon sound scientific and technical principles, advance the Service mission, and promote aquatic ecosystem resilience. Applicants seeking funding under this program should contact the regional NFPP Coordinator that corresponds to the location of the project for additional information on regional priorities and coordination with FAC staff prior to applying for funding. Contacts are listed at: https://www.fws.gov/program/national-fish-passage/contact-us.Interested applicants will follow this process:1) Contact the appropriate NFPP Regional Coordinator (https://www.fws.gov/program/national-fish-passage/contact-us),2) If your project meets NFPP eligibility, submit a Letter of Interest per the deadline and content identified in Section D2,3) Select applicants will work with Service staff to develop a proposal that addresses the criteria in Section E2 Review and Selection Process.Only applicants who have successfully completed these steps and have been selected for funding will be invited to submit an application in GrantSolutions.For programmatic technical assistance, contact: Pacific (ID, OR, WA, HI, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the territories of American Samoa and Guam,): John Netto, 503-724-8366, John_netto@fws.gov Southwest (AZ, NM, OK, TX): Trevor Luna, 505-617-5872, Trevor_luna@fws.gov Midwest (IA, IL, IN, MI, MN, MO, OH, WI): Justin Chiotti, 248-891-0087, Justin_chiotti@fws.govSoutheast (AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MO, NC, SC, TN, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands): Walter “Tripp” Boltin, 843-819-1229, Walter_boltin@fws.gov Northeast (CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VA, VT, WV): Cathy Bozek, 413-253-8661, Catherine_bozek@fws.gov Mountain-Prairie (CO, KS, MT, ND, NE, SD, UT, WY): Kevin Johnson, 720-402-9506, Kevin_m_johnson@fws.gov Alaska (AK): Michael Daigneault, 907-830-9649, Michael_daigneault@fws.gov Pacific Southwest (CA, NV): Ryan Fogerty, 530-340-7900, Ryan_fogerty@fws.gov A principal objective of the NFPP is to provide technical assistance to partners in support of projects that aim to restore aquatic connectivity and aquatic organism passage through the removal of instream barriers and the reconnection of floodplains. We use our staff and cooperative partnerships to provide (1) information on native aquatic species habitat needs and methods for aquatic connectivity; (2) technical engineering support to develop or review project designs and recommend the most effective techniques; (3) assistance to partners in planning and prioritizing fish passage projects; and (4) assistance in fulfilling environmental compliance requirements.The NFPP prioritizes projects that will: (1) maximize benefits to native priority species and habitats; (2) provide sustainable fish passage benefits; (3) contribute to or otherwise leverage regional or watershed priorities for habitat restoration, fish passage, or aquatic connectivity; (4) enhance community resilience to climate change, address other public safety hazards and generally, provide other co-benefits such as job creation or recreational fishing opportunities; (5) involve advance coordination on species and watershed priorities with Tribes and States; (6) provide benefits to or engage with disadvantaged communities; and (7) be supported by partners, affected stakeholders, and the local community.Activities proposed under this award may include project planning and feasibility studies, engineering and design, permitting, on-the-ground fish passage restoration, near-term implementation monitoring, project outreach, and capacity to manage these project-related activities. Applicants may apply for funding to support any combination of these activities however, priority will be given to applications that can demonstrate a clear timeline and pathway for on-the-ground implementation within a timely manner (i.e., 1-4 years). Proposals that focus on the removal of barriers and natural channel or floodplain restoration will score higher in some evaluation criteria than proposals that focus on establishing passage around a barrier that are reliant on artificial passage structures such as fishways or fish ladders. Proposals are encouraged to maximize largescale ecosystem restoration and should do so by leveraging funding from other sources, with particular emphasis on BIL funding through other Federal agencies or may include multiple project sites throughout a watershed or other geographic area. |
| Link to Additional Information: | – |
| Grantor Contact Information: | If you have difficulty accessing the full announcement electronically, please contact:
Amy Horstman
amy_horstman@fws.gov Email:amy_horstman@fws.gov |
Related Documents
Folder 350554 Full Announcement-Full Announcement -> Foa_Content_of_F24AS00062 (Final ao10Oct23).pdf
Folder 350554 Other Supporting Documents-Other Supporting Documents -> G1 Program Technical Contact List (Final ao10Oct23).pdf
Folder 350554 Other Supporting Documents-Other Supporting Documents -> NFPP BIL FY24 NOFO Applicant Guidance (Final ao10Oct23).pdf
Folder 350554 Other Supporting Documents-Other Supporting Documents -> NFPP-BIL-Process-and-Deadlines-FY24.pdf
Packages
| Agency Contact Information: | Amy Horstman amy_horstman@fws.gov Email: amy_horstman@fws.gov |
| Who Can Apply: | Organization Applicants |
| Assistance Listing Number | Competition ID | Competition Title | Opportunity Package ID | Opening Date | Closing Date | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15.685 | F24AS00062 | F24AS00062 National Fish Passage Program Bipartisan Infrastructure Law: Restoring River, Floodplain, and Coastal Connectivity and Resiliency | PKG00283425 | Oct 12, 2023 | Dec 31, 2024 | View |
Package 1
Mandatory forms
350554 SF424_4_0-4.0.pdf
350554 Project_AbstractSummary_2_0-2.0.pdf
350554 ProjectNarrativeAttachments_1_2-1.2.pdf
Optional forms
350554 SF424A-1.0.pdf
350554 SF424C_2_0-2.0.pdf
350554 SFLLL_2_0-2.0.pdf
350554 AttachmentForm_1_2-1.2.pdf
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