Lower American River Conservancy Program
🏛 Wildlife Conservation Board (California)
✓ Free, no account · Source: California Grants Portal · Last verified Nov 1, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for regional transportation planning agencies, county transportation commissions, and Caltrans districts to fund corridor improvement projects in California. Projects must be nominated through these eligible entities and already identified in adopted regional transportation and corridor plans. Eligible improvements include state highways, local roads, transit, bicycle/pedestrian facilities, and habitat/open space protection. General purpose highway lanes are not eligible; capacity projects must use HOV lanes, managed lanes, or safety/operational improvements.
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Program description
The acquisition, restoration, enhancement, and maintenance of fish and wildlife habitat and other natural resources, including resources impacted by wildfire, within and adjacent to the American River Parkway. The improvement and expansion of public access, recreational areas, and recreational facilities, including trails. The enhancement of interpretive and educational facilities related to the American River Parkway and its natural, cultural, and historic resources. The control and removal of invasive species and the propagation of native species. Improve and enhance lands within and adjacent to the American River Parkway. Projects funded on adjacent lands shall contribute to the advancement of American River Parkway values. Design, implement, and provide grants for stormwater capture and treatment projects to improve the quality of water that flows within and into the American River Parkway and to increase habitat for fish and wildlife. Stormwater projects may include lands within and adjacent to the American River Parkway and its tributaries downstream of the Nimbus Dam and within Sacramento County. All projects must be recommended by the Lower American River Conservancy Program Advisory Committee before proceeding to the Wildlife Conservation Board meeting for approval.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Required documents
- Project nomination form
- Evidence of inclusion in adopted regional transportation plan
- Evidence of inclusion in comprehensive corridor plan
- Project description and scope
- Detailed project timeline
- Matching funds documentation
- Scoring criteria narrative (addressing safety, congestion, accessibility, economic development, emissions, land use efficiency)
Program contact
- 📧 cara.allen@wildlife.ca.gov
- 📞 1-916-926-9584
Funding track record
Past applications & awards under this program (California Grants Portal) — how competitive it is.
By fiscal year
| Fiscal year | Applications | Awarded | Award rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-2025 | 1 | 1 | 100% |
Source: California Grants Portal
FAQ
Who can apply for this grant?
Regional transportation planning agencies, county transportation commissions, and Caltrans districts can apply through project nomination.
What types of projects are eligible?
Improvements to highways, local roads, transit facilities, bike/pedestrian infrastructure, and habitat restoration. General purpose highway lanes are not allowed.
Can I use funds to expand general purpose highway capacity?
No. Highway capacity projects must be HOV lanes, managed lanes, or non-general purpose improvements like auxiliary lanes or dedicated bike lanes.
When is the deadline?
The deadline for 2024 applications is November 19, 2024.
Do projects need to be in an existing plan?
Yes. All nominated projects must appear in an adopted regional transportation plan and comprehensive corridor plan.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Ensure your project is already identified in both an adopted regional transportation plan and a comprehensive corridor plan before applying.
- Align your project narrative with the eight scoring criteria: safety, congestion, accessibility, economic development, emissions, land use, matching funds, and timely completion.
- Consider projects that serve multiple modes (transit, bicycle, pedestrian) rather than single-purpose improvements to score higher.
- Document your matching funds commitment clearly. The Commission scores applications partly on matching fund levels.
- Demonstrate a realistic timeline for project completion to show your ability to spend funds efficiently.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Projects that are not formally identified in an adopted regional transportation plan and comprehensive corridor plan will be rejected. Applications that propose general purpose highway lane construction are ineligible. Weak narratives on safety, congestion reduction, or emissions impact lower competitiveness scores.
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