Opportunity Information: Apply for FHWA CAOP 23 001
The National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration grant opportunity, also referred to as the Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) Competitive Grant Program, is a discretionary federal grant run by the U.S. Department of Transportation through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Its core aim is to fund on-the-ground infrastructure work that removes or fixes barriers in waterways so anadromous fish can move freely to complete their life cycles. Anadromous species are born in freshwater, spend most of their adult lives in saltwater, and then return upstream into freshwater to spawn. Salmon are the most familiar example, but the program is broadly focused on any anadromous fish where blocked passage is limiting spawning or habitat access.
Funding under this program is intended for projects that replace, remove, or repair culverts or weirs in ways that meaningfully improve or restore fish passage for anadromous fish. In practical terms, the grant is aimed at correcting structures that block or restrict upstream and downstream movement, especially at road-stream crossings and similar choke points. For weirs specifically, eligible work can include adding or upgrading infrastructure that allows fish to pass around or over the weir (such as fishways or bypass channels), as well as making improvements to the weir itself when those changes support successful passage. The statutory basis cited for eligibility is 49 U.S.C. 6703(b), which frames the types of projects and outcomes that qualify.
Eligible applicants are limited to public and tribal governmental entities: States, units of local government (such as counties, cities, towns, or similar local jurisdictions), and Indian Tribes. The opportunity is not framed for private companies or individuals as direct applicants, though those entities may often participate as contractors, designers, engineers, or project partners supporting an eligible lead applicant. The overall emphasis is on measurable ecological outcomes tied to restored connectivity, particularly for anadromous fish populations that depend on access to upstream spawning and rearing habitat.
Administratively, this is a grant (funding instrument type: Grant) and is categorized as discretionary funding. The opportunity number is FHWA CAOP 23 001, and it is listed under Assistance Listing (CFDA) 20.276. The posting indicates an expected 50 awards, with an award ceiling listed at $800,000,000. The opportunity record shows a creation date of 2026-06-02 and an original application closing date of 2026-07-16, which effectively sets the deadline for interested eligible applicants to prepare and submit their proposals within that window.
Taken together, this program is designed to accelerate high-impact fish passage projects by financing the construction, removal, and rehabilitation work needed to reconnect aquatic habitat. It targets culverts and weirs because these structures are common, often outdated, and frequently create major barriers to migration. The competitive nature of the program means applicants should be prepared to demonstrate that their project will produce a real, meaningful improvement in passage for anadromous fish, rather than minor or speculative benefits.Apply for FHWA CAOP 23 001
- The DOT Federal Highway Administration in the iij sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration (Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage)" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 20.276.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2026-06-02.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-07-16. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $800,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 50 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
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National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration (Culvert AOP) Competitive Grant Program FAQs
1) What is the National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration grant opportunity?
This opportunity is a discretionary federal grant program run by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). It is also referred to as the Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage (AOP) Competitive Grant Program.
2) What is the main purpose of this grant program?
The program is intended to fund on-the-ground infrastructure work that removes, replaces, or repairs barriers in waterways so anadromous fish can move freely to complete their life cycles. The emphasis is on restoring aquatic connectivity where structures are blocking or restricting movement.
3) What are anadromous fish, and why are they central to this program?
Anadromous fish are born in freshwater, spend most of their adult lives in saltwater, and then return upstream into freshwater to spawn. Salmon are a well-known example. This program targets projects where blocked passage is limiting spawning or habitat access for anadromous species.
4) What types of projects does the funding support?
Funding is intended for projects that replace, remove, or repair culverts or weirs in ways that meaningfully improve or restore fish passage for anadromous fish. In practical terms, the grant targets structures that block or restrict upstream and downstream movement, especially at road-stream crossings and similar pinch points.
5) Are culvert projects specifically eligible?
Yes. The program is explicitly aimed at culvert removal, replacement, or repair when the work results in meaningful improvement or restoration of anadromous fish passage.
6) Are weir-related projects eligible, and what kinds of weir work qualify?
Yes. For weirs, eligible work can include adding or upgrading infrastructure that allows fish to pass around or over the weir (for example, fishways or bypass channels). Improvements to the weir itself can also be eligible when those changes support successful fish passage.
7) What outcomes should an applicant be prepared to demonstrate?
Because the program is competitive, applicants should be prepared to show that the project will deliver real, meaningful improvements in passage for anadromous fish. The overall emphasis is on measurable ecological outcomes tied to restored connectivity, rather than minor or speculative benefits.
8) Who is eligible to apply as the lead applicant?
Eligible applicants are limited to governmental entities: States, units of local government (such as counties, cities, towns, or similar local jurisdictions), and Indian Tribes.
9) Can private companies or individuals apply directly?
No. The opportunity is not framed for private companies or individuals as direct applicants. However, private entities may participate as contractors, designers, engineers, or project partners supporting an eligible lead applicant.
10) What is the federal agency administering this program?
The program is administered by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) within the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).
11) What type of federal funding instrument is this?
The funding instrument type is a grant, and the program is categorized as discretionary funding.
12) What is the opportunity number for this grant?
The opportunity number is FHWA CAOP 23 001.
13) What is the Assistance Listing (CFDA) number?
The Assistance Listing (CFDA) number shown for this opportunity is 20.276.
14) How many awards are expected under this posting?
The posting indicates an expected 50 awards.
15) What is the award ceiling listed for this opportunity?
The award ceiling listed in the opportunity record is $800,000,000.
16) When was this opportunity record created?
The opportunity record shows a creation date of 2026-06-02.
17) What is the application deadline?
The original application closing date shown is 2026-07-16.
18) What kinds of locations or structures does the program most commonly target?
The program targets culverts and weirs because they are common and frequently create major barriers to migration. The narrative highlights road-stream crossings and similar choke points as practical examples of where problems often occur.
19) What legal authority is cited for eligibility and qualifying project types?
The statutory basis cited is 49 U.S.C. 6703(b), which frames the types of projects and outcomes that qualify.
20) In one sentence, what is this program designed to accomplish?
It is designed to accelerate high-impact fish passage projects by financing the construction, removal, and rehabilitation work needed to reconnect aquatic habitat for anadromous fish.
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