F26AS00105 National Fish Passage Program

The National Fish Passage Program (NFPP) provides technical and financial assistance to partners to remove instream barriers and restore aquatic connectivity, improve community safety, and support local economies. Fish passage projects benefit communities by reducing flood risk, improving recreational opportunities, and improving roads while supporting native fish populations and aquatic ecosystems. NFPP project examples include obsolete and dangerous infrastructure removals, culvert replacements, floodplain restoration, and the installation of fishways. It is estimated that for every $1 million invested by the program, $1.5 million in value is added to the economy.The program is delivered through U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) field offices nationwide. Local Service staff work with partners to identify and implement projects. Projects are based on sound science, advance the Service mission, and promote aquatic connectivity. Contact a regional NFPP Coordinator in your area for information about program priorities and the application process.The Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026, allocated $15 million for the National Fish Passage Program, of which $5 million is designated for implementing the Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation Act (FRIMA) (Public Law 106-502) of 2000.

The program seeks and develops projects collaboratively with partners, including but not limited to: State and local agencies, Tribes, non-governmental organizations, other Federal agencies, and private landowners. Additional requirements and geographic restrictions apply to FRIMA funded projects. See website for more information.

See Notice of Funding Opportunity for project selection criteria and the Service�s Fish Passage Program Policy at https://www.fws.gov/policy/710fw1.html. Conservation activities and projects under NFPP are selected on a regional basis based upon regional focus areas. Projects that meet region-specific priorities will receive higher priority, though staff are not prohibited from implementing high-value habitat improvement projects outside of these priorities areas.

This program has no statutory formula. We seek to secure at least 50 percent of total project costs from our partners. This applies to the overall Regional program and does not need to be achieved on every project. Matches may be in-kind services or cash. Cost share may be a part of rating criteria. For FRIMA funded projects however, there is a 35 percent non-federal matching requirement. Cost share provided by the Bonneville Power Administration may be considered non-federal match for FRIMA funded projects.MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.

Fiscal Year2025: Program funded projects including culvert replacements, obsolete infrastructure removal, fish way construction, flood plain reconnection, and design/engineering for such projects.Fiscal Year2026: Program has not yet selected projects for funding. Program anticipates funding projects such as culvert replacements, obsolete infrastructure removal, fishway construction, floodplain reconnection, and design/engineering for such projects.