NOAA's Restoring Fish Passage through Barrier Removal Grants Under the BIL and IRA

Background
The principal objective of NOAA’s Restoring Fish Passage through Barrier Removal Notice of Funding Opportunity is to provide federal financial and technical assistance to fish passage through the removal of dams and other in-stream barriers for native migratory or sea-run fish. Funding will be used for fish passage that rebuilds productive and sustainable fisheries, contributes to the recovery and conservation of threatened and endangered species, enhances watershed health, promotes resilient ecosystems and communities, especially in underserved communities, and improves economic vitality, including local employment. This funding opportunity announcement is authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), Public Law 117-58) and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA, Public Law 117-169).

Grant Details
Proposals submitted under this funding opportunity should describe how the proposed fish passage will contribute to the recovery of threatened and endangered species listed under the Endangered Species Act; sustain or help rebuild fish stocks managed under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act; improve passage to support native fish species of the Great Lakes; enhance the sustainability of saltwater recreational fisheries; enhance community resilience, especially in tribal, indigenous and underserved communities, to climate hazards by removing or improving aging infrastructure and supporting other co-benefits; or support hydroelectric license surrender to remove dams that are no longer economically viable or provide significant public benefits. Proposed activities may include future project development and feasibility studies; engineering and design; permitting; on-the-ground fish passage restoration; pre- and post-removal implementation monitoring; stakeholder engagement, including in tribal, indigenous and underserved communities; building the capacity of new and existing restoration partners to manage multi-faceted project design and construction; and education and outreach.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants are institutions of higher education, non-profits, commercial (for profit) organizations, U.S. territories, and state, local, and Native American and Alaska Native tribal governments. Applications from federal agencies or employees of federal agencies will not be considered. Federal agencies are strongly encouraged to work with eligible applicants who propose work in areas that benefit United States migratory fish as defined in the Program Objective.

Period of Performance
NOAA anticipates a period of performance for most awards of up to three years, with the potential for up to five years if necessary. The earliest anticipated start date for awards will be July 1, 2024.

Grant Value
NOAA anticipates up to $175 million will be available under this opportunity. Typical federal funding awards will range from $3 million to $6 million over three years. NOAA will not accept proposals with a federal funding request of less than $1 million or more than $20 million for the entire award.

Place of Performance
Eligible applicants for Great Lakes projects must propose work within one of the eight U.S. Great Lakes states (New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota), within the Great Lakes basin. Eligible applicants that propose projects in the Commonwealth and Territories of the United States must propose work in American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, U.S. Virgin Islands, or Puerto Rico.