- NOFO Title and Funding Number: Fiscal Years (FY) 2023–2026 National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration Grant Program (Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage – AOP Program)
- Funding Opportunity Number: FHWA-CAOP-23-001
- Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)
- Deadline for Proposals: July 16, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT
- Grant Amount: Not explicitly capped per award; project funding varies based on scope and complexity.
- Funding is intended for construction-ready infrastructure projects involving culverts or weirs.
- Total Program Available Funding: Up to $800 million available across FY 2023–2026, subject to availability of appropriated funds.
- Match Required: Yes, except for Tribal applicants. Up to 80% Federal share for states/local governments requiring a 20% non-Federal match. Up to 100% Federal share permitted for Tribal projects.
- Purpose of Funding: The Culvert AOP Program provides grants for projects that replace, remove, or repair culverts or weirs that act as barriers to aquatic organism passage. The program’s primary goal is to restore or improve fish passage for anadromous species, while also improving infrastructure resilience. Eligible projects typically:
- Remove or retrofit culverts that block fish passage
- Replace undersized or failing culverts
- Repair or modify weirs and related structures
- Improve stream connectivity and ecosystem health
- Projects must have a transportation nexus and are intended to provide environmental, economic, and community benefits, including flood risk reduction and habitat restoration.
- Eligibility:
- States
- Units of local government
- Federally recognized Indian Tribes (including Alaska Native villages and corporations)
- Project Requirements — Eligible projects must:
- Address culverts or weirs that impede aquatic organism passage
- Demonstrate a transportation connection (road/rail infrastructure)
- Provide measurable improvements to fish passage and habitat connectivity
- Be sufficiently developed to proceed toward implementation
Link to more information: https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/362658
Website To View Current Postings: https://akfederalfunding.org/grant-opportunities/