Deadline: 1-Jun-23
The Bureau of Reclamation is currently accepting applications for the WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects Program (AERP).
The objective of the AERP NOFO is to invite eligible applicants to leverage their money and resources by cost sharing with Reclamation on the study, design and construction of aquatic ecosystem restoration projects that are collaboratively developed, have widespread regional benefits, and are for the purpose of improving of the health of fisheries, wildlife, and aquatic habitat through restoration and improved fish passage. As used here, “aquatic ecosystem” refers to freshwater and brackish water habitats such as lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, wetlands, swamps, and estuaries and the adjacent floodplains, riparian corridors, deltas, and shallow aquifers that interact with surface water.
Projects that affect water resources management in two or more river basins, provide regional benefits not limited to fisheries restoration, and that are a component of a larger strategy to replace aging facilities are prioritized under this program. This NOFO provides funding under two task areas, including Task A: Study and Design and Task B: Construction projects. For the purpose of this funding opportunity, “proposed project” refers to either a proposed Task A: Study and Design project or a proposed Task B: Construction project.
Program Determinations
Prior to construction of a Task B: Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Project, Reclamation will make the determination that a project:
- Will not result in unmitigated adverse impact to water or power delivery obligations
- Will not result in an unmitigated adverse impact on the environment
- Is consistent with the Secretary of the Interior’s role as a trustee for federally recognized Indian Tribes
- Is in compliance with applicable International and Tribal treaties, agreements, and Interstate compacts
- Is in the financial interest of the United States based on a determination that the project advances Federal objectives including environmental enhancement objectives in a Reclamation State.
Funding Information
- Task A: Study and Design Projects
- Maximum Award: $2,000,000
- Minimum Award: $500,000
- Task B: Construction Projects
- Maximum Award: $20,000,000
- Minimum Award: $3,000,000
- Anticipated Award Date: January 2, 2024
- Anticipated Project Completion Date:
- Task A: Study and Design Projects: December 31, 2026
- Task B: Construction Projects: December 31, 2028
- Number of Awards: Approximately 5 to 10 awards
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants eligible to receive an award under this funding opportunity are described below.
- Category A Applicants
- States, Tribes, irrigation districts, or water districts;
- State, regional, or local authorities, the members of which include one or more organizations with water or power delivery authority;
- Agencies established under State law for the joint exercise of powers;
- Other entities or organizations that own a dam that is eligible for upgrade, modification, or removal.
- All applicants must be located in the Western United States or Territories as amended and supplemented; specifically: Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands.
- Category B Applicants
- Nonprofit conservation organizations that are acting in partnership with, and with the agreement of an entity described in Category A, with respect to a project involving land or infrastructure owned by the Category A entity. All Category B applicants must be located in the United States, or the specific Territories.
- Category B applicants should include with their application a letter from the Category A partner stating that the Category A partner:
- Is acting in partnership with the applicant;
- Agrees to the submittal and content of the application; and
- Intends to participate in the project in some way, for example, by providing input, feedback, or other support for the project.
- Note: Partners do not necessarily need to contribute cost share funding.
Ineligible
Those not eligible include, but are not limited to, the following entities:
- Federal Governmental entities
- Individuals
- Institutes of higher education
For more information, visit Grants.gov.