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 seven years of the partnership, the program has provided more than $2 million to support over 100 community-driven river restoration projects that have benefited diadromous fish populations and habitats throughout the country.

For fiscal year 2009, NOAA has awarded American Rivers $600,000 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—feasibility analysis, engineering design, and construction—with the average grant size between $25,000 - $50,000. 

We are currently accepting applications for 2010 project funding.  Applications are due by December 18, 2009.  Application materials and instructions can be found below.

• River Grant Announcement (PDF)
• Application for Financial Assistance (PDF)
• Funding Guidelines (PDF)
  

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