The National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration Grant Program (Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) Program) is a competitive grant program that awards grants to eligible entities for projects for the replacement, removal, and repair of culverts or weirs that meaningfully improve or restore fish passage for anadromous fish.
This NOFO establishes a multi-year funding opportunity for applicants to submit projects for the remaining available amount of funds provided to the Culvert AOP Program by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, covering funds available for FY 2023 through FY 2026.
Be sure to review the full program guidelines here.
Eligible Projects
The Culvert AOP Program focuses on two project categories as differentiated by structure type:
- Projects to replace, remove, or repair culverts that would meaningfully improve or restore fish passage for anadromous fish (49 U.S.C. 6703(b)(1)).
- Projects to replace, remove, or repair weirs that would meaningfully improve or restore fish passage for anadromous fish. With respect to weirs, the project may include: 1) infrastructure to facilitate fish passage around or over the weir; and 2) weir improvements (49 U.S.C. 6703(b)(2)).
Match
The Federal share of the cost of a project is 80 percent . Recipients are required to contribute a local matching share of no less than 20 percent of eligible activities of the total project costs.
How to Apply
Apply on Grants.gov here.
Culvert AOP Application Template (this is NOT the application)
Contact
CulvertAOP@dot.gov
Sabrina S. David, Division Administrator (GA): 404-562-3631