Economic Stimulus and Habitat Restoration

February 19, 2009 | Dams & Dam Removal, Restoring Rivers

Serena McClain
Director, River Restoration, Federal Grants

Unless you live under a rock, you have probably heard by now that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has been signed into law. What might not be quite as evident is that, tucked among its 407 pages, is funding for habitat restoration. This is funding that will be able to be used for “shovel ready” projects that will restore valuable riverine habitat while creating and/or saving jobs in a community near you.

The bullets below are just a snapshot of funding that will be available because of the economic stimulus package. 

• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: $230 million for operations, research, and facilities, including addressing the backlog in habitat restoration and other activities. Exact amount to be allocated to restoration is yet to be determined.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Construction): $115 million for priority construction, repair, habitat restoration and other activities on Service properties.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Resource Management): $165 million for priority critical deferred maintenance, capital improvements, habitat restoration and other activities on Service properties. 

These agencies are still in the process of determining exactly how funding will be allocated to restoration activities, but I urge you to keep checking their websites (links above) for updates . Also, check back here, and we’ll do our best to ensure we have the most up-to-date information.

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