DOI Announces More Than $70 Million For National Fish Passage Program Projects

Projects receiving funding showcase a diverse portfolio of aquatic conservation opportunities and are transformational in improving climate resilience, increasing recreational opportunities, and strengthening local economies. 

This investment builds on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s 2022 and 2023 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law National Fish Passage Program investments of nearly $73 million in funding for 79 projects spanning the U.S. Across the country, millions of barriers are fragmenting rivers, blocking fish migration, and putting communities at higher risk for flooding.

Improving fish passage and reconnecting aquatic systems is one of the most effective ways to help conserve vulnerable species, while building safer infrastructure for communities and improving climate resilience.

The Service continues to collaborate with the 13 agencies that comprise the Interagency Fish Passage Task Force to deliver transformational impact for aquatic species, their habitats, and surrounding communities.

The 43 funded projects were developed with local partners and selected through a collaborative process with an interdisciplinary panel of experts from multiple federal agencies, including the Service, the U.S. Forest Service, National Marine Fisheries Service, and Federal Highway Administration.

The projects leverage other investments in ecosystem restoration and aim to advance watershed-scale restoration. Additionally, almost half of these projects will be led by or have substantial involvement with Tribal partners, and many will help with conservation efforts for threatened or endangered species.

Projects will be funded in the following states: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and West Virginia. Additional project details are available on the Service’s website. 

This investment delivers on one of the America the Beautiful initiative’s six early focus areas — supporting collaborative conservation of fish and wildlife habitat and corridors — and is consistent with the Administration’s Corridors and Connectivity Guidance.