Description

NOTE: Please refer to the "Related documents" tab for the full text of the NOFO. The information below summarizes key facts for this opportunity, but it is incumbent on interested applicants to fully review the NOFO document and understand program and submission requirements.

SUMMARY OVERVIEW OF KEY INFORMATION:

The purpose of this NOFO is to solicit applications for the National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration Grant Program.The program is referred to in this NOFO as the Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) Program.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 in division J of Title VIII of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (also known as the “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law” or BIL), covering funds available for FY 2023 through FY 2026. Please refer below and to the full text of the NOFO for information about the opening dates and deadlines for each fiscal year of Culvert AOP funding.This NOFO will result in the distribution of up to $784 million along with any unobligated funds from FY 2022, with at least $196 million distributed for each of FYs 2023 through 2026.The actual amount available to be awarded under this NOFO will be subject to the availability of funds.

Issuing Agency

Federal Highway Administration, U.S. Department of Transportation

Program Overview

Awards grants to eligible applicants for projects for the replacement, removal, and repair of culverts or weirs that would meaningfully improve or restore fish passage for anadromous fish.

Goals and Objective

The primary objective of the Culvert AOP Program is to meaningfully improve or restore anadromous fish passage through the replacement, removal, or repair of culverts or weirs, which may include infrastructure to facilitate fish passage around or over the weir and weir improvements.

Eligible Applicants

States, units of local government, and Indian Tribes.

Eligible Project Types

Culverts and Weirs having a transportation nexus and posing barriers to anadromous fish.With respect to weirs, projects may include infrastructure to facilitate fish passage around or over the weir and weir improvements.

A weir is a constructed barrier on a stream channel designed to provide hydraulic control without completely stopping flow or creating a large storage impoundment.A dam is not a weir for the purposes of this program.

Funding

Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Pub. L. 117-58, November 15, 2021), also known as the “Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” provides $200 million annually for FY 2022-2026.

DOT intends to use $4 million annually to pay the administrative expenses necessary to carry out the program, in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 6703(h), leaving $196 million available annually, along with any unused funds from previous FYs, including FY 2022.

Cost-Share

80 percent Federal share for grants to States or units of local government (requiring a 20 percent match).

100 percent Federal share for grants to Indian Tribes (requiring no match).

Opening Dates:

·FY 2023 Opening:Tuesday, June 25, 2024

·FY 2024 Opening:Monday, June 23, 2025

·FY 2025 Opening:Monday, June 22, 2026

·FY 2026 Opening:Monday, June 21, 2027

Deadline/Closing Dates:

·FY 2023 Deadline:Monday, September 23, 2024

·FY 2024 Deadline:Monday, August 25, 2025

·FY 2025 Deadline:Monday, August 24, 2026

·FY 2026 Deadline:Monday, August 23, 2027

NOFO Informational Webinar: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will host a webinar on Monday, July 15, 2024 at 1:00PM (Eastern) to assist applicants with applying to the National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration Grant Program (also referred to as the Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) program).

Interested attendees may register for the NOFO Informational Webinar at the following link: Webinar Registration - Zoom (zoomgov.com)