FY2026 Implementation of the Quagga and Zebra Mussel Action Plan (QZAP) in the Western United States

Quagga and Zebra Mussels are aquatic invasive species that are rapidly expanding their range in the Western United States. Popular recreational reservoirs on or connected to the lower Colorado River are one major source of invasive mussels, which are easily transported via trailered watercraft to areas that have not yet been invaded. This funding opportunity will fund projects in the listed principal areas towards the fulfillment of the top priorities in the Quagga/Zebra Mussel Action Plan for Western U.S. Waters (QZAP 2.0) and will be limited to states within the boundaries of the Western Regional Panel within the United States.

All legal entities are eligible to apply. While all legal entities are eligible to apply, project must be focused on Western waters (ND, SD, NE, KS, OK, TX, MT, WY, CO, NM, ID, UT, AZ, AK, WA, OR, NV, HI, CA).Program will not fund land acquisition.All projects will be reviewed using the described Merit Review Criteria. Please review these criteria to ensure proposals are appropriate for this announcement.

1 - Regional Panels of the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force (ANSTF) - These six grants are sole source awards (directed announcements) to fund the host organizations of the six Regional Panels that were chosen by the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force. 2 - State/Interstate Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Management Plans - Funding is divided as evenly as possible among all eligible States that successfully apply for funding.

This program has no statutory formula. For State/Interstate Aquatic Nuisance Species (ANS) Management Plan grants, Section 4724 (b)(3)(a) of the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Prevention and Control Act of 1990 as amended (16 U.S.C. 4701-4741), requires those entities applying for funds under this Program to provide a 25% cost share (25% of total project costs). Applicants may attribute some or all of their allowable indirect costs as voluntary committed cost-share or match.MOE requirements are not applicable to this assistance listing.

Fiscal Year2025: Regional Panels of the ANSTF � Funding was used to support the host organizations of the 6 Regional Panels of the ANSTF. The ANSTF Regional panels assist the ANSTF with coordinating regional activities, identifying regional priorities, providing advice pertinent to regional issues, and making recommendations and reporting to the Task Force. State/Interstate ANS Mgmt Plans � The program anticipates providing support for the 47 State and Interstate Aquatic Nuisance Species Management Plans, including a wide range of activities such as: state coordinator positions, watercraft inspection and decontamination, early detection surveillance, education and outreach on aquatic invasive species, small control projects, coordination, and purchase of field equipment.Fiscal Year2026: Regional Panels of the ANSTF � Funding will be used to support the host organizations of the 6 Regional Panels of the ANSTF. The ANSTF Regional panels assist the ANSTF with coordinating regional activities, identifying regional priorities, providing advice pertinent to regional issues, and making recommendations and reporting to the Task Force. State/Interstate ANS Mgmt Plans � Program...