National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration (Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage)
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration is offering a discretionary grant program to fund the replacement, removal, and repair of culverts or weirs that meaningfully improve or restore fish passage for anadromous fish. Applicants must submit the required application template with detailed project information, including location, waterways, tribal land considerations, budget, statement of work, and any proposed bonus activities. Eligible applicants are states, units of local government, and Indian Tribes, and proposals are evaluated on eligibility, merit, project readiness, and statutory and DOT selection priorities, with emphasis on fish passage benefits and community impacts. A cost share is required, the award ceiling is $800 million, and applications are due July 16, 2026; incomplete submissions without the template will not be reviewed, and assistance is available through Grants.gov customer support.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants under the Culvert AOP Competitive Grant Program are: States Units of local government Indian Tribes Projects eligible for funding are projects for the replacement, removal, or repair of culverts or weirs that: (1) would meaningfully improve or restore fish passage for anadromous fish; and (2) with respect to weirs, may include (A) infrastructure to facilitate fish passage around or over the weir; and (B) weir improvements (49 United States Code (U.S.C.) § 6703(b)).