The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) National Fish Passage Program (NFPP) provides financial and planning assistance for river restoration, nature-based solutions, and flood-resilient infrastructure. This program helps reduce flood risk and supports fish passage by restoring floodplains and wetlands, removing barriers like dams, and upgrading culverts to improve ecological function.

	Supports nature-based solutions		Has a regional or watershed focus
	Does not require matching funds

Application cycle: The National Fish Passage Program is currently accepting applications. The application is due on April 30, 2027.

Summary: FWS’ NFPP offers financial support and technical assistance to restore rivers and protect aquatic species by removing or bypassing barriers like dams and culverts. The program favors projects that permanently restore natural river processes, such as barrier removal and floodplain reconnection, while also funding artificial passage structures like fishways and fish ladders. This makes it a strong fit for local communities and state resilience leaders looking to improve regional flood resilience.

NFPP promotes nature-based solutions that create flood-resilient infrastructure. NFPP projects focus on restoring native species, improving fish passage, and addressing regional habitat needs while boosting community resilience against flooding and other natural hazards, promoting public safety, creating jobs, modernizing transportation infrastructure, and enhancing recreational opportunities.

Eligible applicants: City, township, special district, county, or state governments; nonprofit and for-profit organizations; small businesses; independent school districts; public and state controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; public housing and Indian housing authorities; Native American tribal organizations; Native American tribal governments; individuals.

Eligible activities: The NFPP can support flood resilience projects that enhance aquatic connectivity and improve fish passage by removing barriers in waterways and reconnecting floodplains. NFPP funding can be used for:

• • Project planning and management: Funding can support project planning, feasibility studies, engineering and design work, permitting, on-the-ground restoration efforts for fish passage, near-term implementation monitoring, community outreach, and capacity to manage these activities effectively.
  • Infrastructure modernization: Activities that improve aquatic connectivity and fish passage also contribute to modernizing essential infrastructure — including road culverts, bridges, and water diversions — enhancing community resilience to flooding and other natural hazards.
  • Habitat restoration: This includes wetland and floodplain restoration, dam removal, culvert replacement, floodplain reconnection, dike breaches, and reconnection of tidal habitats.

• Filter — Watershed or regional focus: This program specifically focuses on ecosystem-wide restoration and floodplain restoration.

Funding: For FY 2026, the NFPP has $15 million available, including $5 million for The Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation Act (FRIMA) projects. FWS expects to make about 100 awards of up to $1 million each.

Cost share: Cost sharing is encouraged but not required, although FWS strives to achieve a cost-share ratio of 50% federal / 50% nonfederal. FRIMA projects require at least 35% nonfederal match.

Application process: 

• To apply, applicants should contact their NFPP Regional Coordinator to discuss their potential project. If the project meets NFPP eligibility, the applicant can prepare and email a Letter of Interest to their NFPP Regional Coordinator. Select applicants will proceed to work with FWS staff to develop a proposal that meets NFPP requirements. 
• Applicants can request reimbursement for project costs incurred up to 90 days before the award start date. These costs will be discussed during pre-award negotiations with FWS. However, this is not a guarantee, and any costs incurred before receiving a Notice of Award are the applicant’s responsibility.
• To learn more about the NFPP, visit FWS’ website or the Notice of Funding Opportunity on grants.gov.