Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program

The new WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program will provide cost shared funding to states, Tribes, and other entities as they study, design and construct aquatic ecosystem restoration projects that are collaboratively developed, have widespread regional benefits, and result in the improvement of the health of fisheries, wildlife, and aquatic habitat.

Eligible restoration activities include, but are not limited to:

• Removal or Modification of Barriers to Fish Passage
• Restoration of Connectivity
• Restoration of Aquatic Habitat
• Improvement of Water Availability, Quality, and Temperature.
• Other Related Activities

Documents

Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects Fact Sheet
Frequently Asked Questions

Announcements

• FY24 Cooperative Watershed Management Program Phase I and FY24 Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects Webinar

  The Bureau of Reclamation will host an informational webinar on Thursday, August 31, 2023, from 1:00 – 3:00 pm MDT to discuss the Cooperative Watershed Management Program Phase I and the Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects funding opportunity.

  Click here to join the live webinar or use the same link to watch a recording after the completion of the live event.

  If you have questions regarding applicant and project eligibility or the evaluation criteria, click here and select the applicable funding opportunity to schedule a time to talk with the program coordinators.  

• FY23 Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects Webinar

  The Bureau of Reclamation hosted a an informational webinar on the new Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program Tuesday April, 18th. The webinar covered eligible projects and applicants, and general application tips. Click here to view a recording of the webinar.

• EXTENDED - Opportunity for Public Comment for the Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Program

  
  EXTENDED TO JANUARY 24, 2024. Opportunity for Public Comment on the Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program

  Reclamation is inviting public comment on the applicant eligibility, eligible project types, and criteria of the FY23 Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program. Comments will be considered in future iterations of the funding opportunity. The public comment document includes specific instructions on how to submit comments. Comments are due by January 24th, 2024. For more information, please reach out to Ms. Katherine Tucker at ktucker@usbr.gov, or (303) 445-2586.

    Public Comment Document →

• Biden-Harris Administration makes $30 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds available to restore and protect aquatic ecosystems

  The Bureau of Reclamation is making $30 million from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law available to restore and protect aquatic ecosystems. Funding will support the study, design and construction of collaboratively developed ecosystem restoration projects that provide widespread regional benefits and improve the health of fisheries, wildlife and aquatic habitat through restoration and improved fish passage. The investments are part of the $1 billion investment provided by the Infrastructure Law for the WaterSMART program.  Read More →

• FY23 Environmental Water Resources Projects Webinar

  On January 24, 2023, the Bureau of Reclamation published a funding opportunity for the WaterSMART Environmental Water Resources Projects (EWRP). The funding opportunity supports water conservation, water management, and restoration projects that result in significant benefit to the ecosystem or watershed health. The projects must also be part of a collaborative process to increase water resource reliability. 

  The Bureau of Reclamation hosted a webinar on February 6, 2023 to discuss eligible applicants and project types, program requirements, and the evaluation criteria for the Environmental Water Resources Projects funding opportunity and the new Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Program. Click here to watch a recording of the webinar.

  If you have questions regarding applicant and project eligibility, program requirements, or the evaluation criteria for the Environmental Water Resources Projects, click here and select Environmental Water Resource Projects Inquiry to schedule a time to talk with the program coordinators.

  Download Powerpoint Slides