National Fish Passage Program
🏛 Fish and Wildlife Service (DOI-FWS)
✓ Free, no account · Source: Grants.gov · Last verified Oct 18, 2026
Can you apply?
This grant is for organizations and agencies working on fish passage and aquatic connectivity projects nationwide. Eligible applicants include state and local agencies, tribes, nonprofits, other federal agencies, and private landowners. Projects must remove instream barriers, restore aquatic connectivity, improve community safety, or support local economies. FRIMA-funded projects have additional geographic and programmatic requirements—contact your regional NFPP Coordinator for details.
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Program description
The National Fish Passage Program (NFPP) provides technical and financial assistance to partners to remove instream barriers and restore aquatic connectivity, improve community safety, and support local economies. Fish passage projects benefit communities by reducing flood risk, improving recreational opportunities, and improving roads while supporting native fish populations and aquatic ecosystems. NFPP project examples include obsolete and dangerous infrastructure removals, culvert replacements, floodplain restoration, and the installation of fishways. It is estimated that for every $1 million invested by the program, $1.5 million in value is added to the economy.The program is delivered through U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) field offices nationwide. Local Service staff work with partners to identify and implement projects. Projects are based on sound science, advance the Service mission, and promote aquatic connectivity. Contact a regional NFPP Coordinator in your area for information about program priorities and the application process.The Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026, allocated $15 million for the National Fish Passage Program, of which $5 million is designated for implementing the Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation Act (FRIMA) (Public Law 106-502) of 2000.
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- Project narrative with scientific justification
- Budget and budget narrative
- Letters of support from partner agencies or landowners
- Baseline environmental data and connectivity maps
- Engineering or feasibility study (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Fish and Wildlife Service
- 📧 alexander_c_jones@fws.gov
- 📞 22041-3803
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 15.685 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$5,000,000
-
$4,896,250
-
$4,000,000
-
$3,300,000
-
$3,000,000
-
$3,000,000
-
$2,662,799
-
$2,500,000
-
$2,500,000
-
$2,500,000
Top States by Funding
- WA 12 awards $15.5M
- AK 10 awards $12.3M
- OR 12 awards $10.1M
- MI 9 awards $7.4M
- CA 6 awards $6.4M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
Funding history
Annual funding for this program — Federal obligations (CFDA 15.685). How funding has trended year over year.
| 2021 | $16,102,637 | |
| 2022 | $14,210,000 | |
| 2023 | $9,518,600 | |
| 2024 | $52,600,000 | |
| 2025 est. | $41,900,000 | |
| 2026 est. | $15,000,000 |
FAQ
Who can apply for the National Fish Passage Program?
State and local agencies, tribes, nonprofits, other federal agencies, and private landowners can apply. Contact your regional NFPP Coordinator to confirm eligibility for your specific project.
What types of projects are funded?
The program funds culvert replacements, fishway installations, infrastructure removals, floodplain restoration, and other projects that remove instream barriers and restore aquatic connectivity.
Is cost sharing required?
No cost sharing is required. However, strong projects often demonstrate partnerships and local investment.
What is the deadline?
The deadline is April 30, 2027. Contact your regional office for application timeline details.
What is the typical award amount?
Awards range from $1 to $1 million. The program has $15 million in annual funding.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Contact your regional NFPP Coordinator early to align your project with program priorities before submitting.
- Demonstrate how your project improves aquatic connectivity and benefits native fish populations using sound science.
- Show community and economic benefits alongside environmental outcomes—projects that reduce flood risk or improve recreation are more competitive.
- Build partnerships with state agencies, tribes, or nonprofits to strengthen your application and expand local support.
- Use site-specific data and baseline conditions to show the scope and impact of fish passage barriers you're addressing.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Submitting projects that don't align with regional NFPP priorities—always consult your coordinator first. Weak scientific justification for why the project will improve aquatic connectivity. Underestimating project costs or timeline without realistic engineering assessments or permits.
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