Restoring Rivers: Stream Barrier Removal Grants

American Rivers and NOAA Community-Based Restoration Program River Grants

Since 2001, American Rivers and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Community-based Restoration Program have provided financial and technical assistance for river restoration projects benefiting diadromous fish species in the Northeast (ME, VT, NH, MA, CT, RI), Mid-Atlantic (NY, PA, NJ, DE, MD, DC, VA), Northwest (WA, OR, ID) and California. [Diadromous fish migrate between freshwater and saltwater during their life cycle. Examples include alewife, American shad, American eel, salmon, steelhead and shortnose sturgeon.]

During the first eight years of the partnership, the program has provided more than $3 million to support over 100 community-driven river restoration projects that have benefited diadromous fish populations and habitats throughout the country.

For fiscal year 2010, NOAA has awarded American Rivers more than $700,000 to distribute through this competitive grants program. This funding is provided through the NOAA Open Rivers Initiative, which seeks to enable environmental and economic renewal in local communities through the removal of stream barriers and realized benefits to diadromous fish species. 

The American Rivers-NOAA River Grants programs funds stream barrier removal projects in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Northwest, and California. Applications are being evaluated based upon four priority criteria: (1) ecological merits of the project, (2) technical feasibility of the project, (3) benefits provided to the local community, and (4) financial clarity and strength of the application.  Grants are provided for three distinct project phases: Construction, Engineering Design and Feasibility Analysis. Proposals for Construction phase funding may request a maximum award of $100,000.  Proposals for Engineering Design or Feasibility Analysis phases may request a maximum award of $75,000. 

Applications are currently being accepted for 2010 project funding with a deadline of December 18, 2009.  Applications for projects must be received by the deadline for consideration in this funding cycle.  Potential applicants must contact American Rivers to discuss projects prior to submitting an application.  See Funding Guidelines for additional details. Applicants can expect notification about funding decisions in March 2010.  

Click here for more information on the NOAA Community-Based Restoration Program and its partners.

Questions? Contact:
Serena McClain, American Rivers
1101 14th Street, NW, Suite 1400
Washington, DC 20005
202-347-7550 x3004
rivergrants@AmericanRivers.org