National Fish Passage
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
To restore native fish and other aquatic species to self-sustaining levels by reconnecting habitat that barriers have fragmented, where such reconnection would not result in a net negative ecological effect such as providing increased habitat to aquatic nuisance species. Fish passage projects restore unimpeded flows and fish movement by removing barriers or providing ways for aquatic species to bypass them; such projects also provide public safety and economic benefits for human communities. The program works on a voluntary basis and provides financial support and technical assistance to Federal, State, local, and tribal agencies, as well as private partners and stakeholders.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- Federal
- Federally recognized tribes
- Local governments
- State governments
- Public nonprofits
- Private nonprofits
- Individuals / families
- Interstate
- Intrastate
Entities must be willing and able to implement program projects collaboratively with the Service.
How to Apply
Application Procedure
To apply for National Fish Passage Program assistance, applicants should visit www.Grants.gov and see the posted Notice of Funding Opportunity for application procedures and requirements. Applicants should contact their regional fish passage coordinator for additional information, https://www.fws.gov/program/national-fish-passage/contact-us.
Award Procedure
Projects are reviewed and selected by Regional program staff with final review and approval conducted by Regional and Headquarters program staff. Successful applicants will receive a Notice of Award electronically via the Department’s grants management system (currently GrantSolutions).
Awards are approved annually. Unfunded projects that are ranked highly by the Regional Directors are maintained in a FWS database until the project is funded or no longer viable.
Program details & compliance
Description
The goal of the program is to restore ecological connectivity of the Nation’s aquatic systems. Fish passage projects restore flows, processes, and aquatic species movement by removing barriers or providing means of bypassing them. Fish passage projects also provide benefits to surrounding human communities, such as reduced flood risk, improved public safety, and increased recreational opportunities. Awards made prior to FY 23 were reported under Assistance Listing 15.608.
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Assistance may be used for approved projects restoring or preserving fish passage and aquatic habitat connectivity including construction, design/engineering, and support of fish passage projects.
Matching Requirements
We seek to secure at least 50 percent of total project costs from our partners. This applies to the overall Regional program and does not need to be achieved on every project. Matches may be in-kind services or cash. Cost share may be a part of rating criteria.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements