National Fish Passage Program

Description

The National Fish Passage Program offered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, works with partners to improve or remove barriers to fish movement and reconnect aquatic habitats.

Eligibility & Requirements

Proposals must be submitted to a Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office Biologist to be considered for funding.  Contact your Regional Fish Passage Coordinator or your local Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office to begin this process. NFPP funding cannot be used for any Federal or State compensatory mitigation project or if fish passage is a condition provided by existing Federal or State regulatory programs. Funding is for construction projects not design.

Successful proposals will:

  • show the greatest ecological benefits for trust species,

  • exhibit permanence of fish passage benefits,

  • make use of the most current scientific knowledge and proven technology,

  • have the greatest public support,

  • and generate the maximum in matching contributions

While requirements are flexible, NFPP strives to achieve a 50% federal OR non-federal match, which can include in-kind contributions.

Awards

Grants of all sizes are awarded. On average the fish passage program contributes approximately $70,000 to a project and there is no upper limit. 

DeadlinE

Proposals are accepted year round. The funding cycle for Fish Passage projects officially begins each year in August and ends with funds awarded the following spring, however, timing is dependent upon federal budget allocation.