Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program

The WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program provides cost shared funding to states, Tribes, and other entities as they study, design and construct large-scale 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 Floodplain Connectivity
• Restoration of Aquatic Habitat
• Implementation of Nature-Based Solutions Projects
• Improvement of Water Availability, Quality, and Temperature
• Other Related Activities

Documents

• Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects Fact Sheet
• Frequently Asked Questions

Announcements

• Bureau of Reclamation Invests over $91 Million in the Restoration of Aquatic Ecosystems

  

  The Bureau of Reclamation today announced a $91 million investment from President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the study, design, and construction of large-scale aquatic ecosystem restoration projects. Funding will support 19 projects across six states that are collaboratively developed, have widespread regional benefits, and result in the improvement of the health of fisheries, wildlife, and aquatic habitat. Read More →

   

  Project Descriptions

• Biden-Harris Administration Announces More Than $51 Million from the President’s Investing in America Agenda to Restore and Protect Rivers and Watersheds

  The Department of the Interior today announced more than $51 million in funding from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for 18 projects in eight states that will restore and protect aquatic ecosystems.   Read More →

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

  The Bureau of Reclamation hosted an informational webinar on Thursday, August 31, 2023 to discuss the Cooperative Watershed Management Program Phase I and the Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Projects funding opportunity. 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.  

• 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 →