The National Culvert Removal, Replacement & Restoration Grants (Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) Program) is an annual competitive grant program that awards funding for projects to replace, remove, and repair culverts or weirs in a way that meaningfully improves or restores fish passage for anadromous fish (fish born in freshwater who spend most of their lives in saltwater and return to freshwater to spawn, such as salmon) and increases culvert and weir resilience to increased flooding events due to the impacts of climate change on weather and precipitation.

Eligible Uses

Projects to replace, remove, or repair culverts that would meaningfully improve or restore fish passage for anadromous fish or projects to replace, remove, or repair weirs that would meaningfully improve or restore fish passage for anadromous fish. With respect to weirs, the project may include: 1) infrastructure to facilitate fish passage around or over the weir; and 2) weir improvements.

Eligible Recipients

Tribal governments, states, and units of local government are eligible recipients.

Approx Annual Funding Amount

Authorized at $800 million annually, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provides $200 million annually.

Cost Share Requirements

The federal share for Tribal Governments is 100%. The federal share is up to 80% for states or municipalities.

Application Cycle

Applications are typically open in June and due in August or September.

Contact

For questions specific to the Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) Program, including anadromous fish, passage, barriers, impediments, or information not addressed on the website, email: CulvertAOP@dot.gov