The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) has released a Notice of Funding Opportunity under the Fisheries Restoration and Irrigation Mitigation Act (FRIMA) for Fiscal Year 2024, designated as Funding Opportunity Number F24AS00414. This funding is supported through the National Fish Passage Program (NFPP) and is aimed at reducing fish mortality and increasing aquatic connectivity in Pacific Ocean drainage areas. The total funding available is $5,000,000, with individual awards ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000. A 35 percent non-federal cost share is required, and Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) funding may be applied toward this requirement.

FRIMA supports voluntary projects that reduce fish mortality related to irrigation diversions without affecting the water withdrawals necessary for agriculture and other uses. Eligible project types include fish screens, fish passage devices, and barrier inventories, as well as related features. The projects must be located in Pacific Ocean drainages within California, Idaho, western Montana, Oregon, or Washington. The projects must be voluntary and must not duplicate other federally funded efforts, except those supported by BPA. Projects are also required to be agreeable to all relevant federal and non-federal stakeholders and must include a plan for long-term maintenance.

Eligibility for this opportunity is listed as "unrestricted," meaning a wide range of organizations may apply, including state and local governments, nonprofits, institutions of higher education, and tribal organizations, provided they meet the specified project criteria. However, all proposals must include a minimum 35 percent non-federal match and must not serve as compensatory mitigation under federal or state regulatory programs.

The application process includes a two-step submission. First, potential applicants must submit a project proposal directly to their NFPP Regional Coordinator by September 30, 2024. Proposals must include a brief project description, location data, funding request, non-federal match details, and responses to the program's evaluation criteria. Selected applicants will then be invited to submit full applications through GrantSolutions by April 30, 2025. These applications must include standard federal forms, a detailed project and budget narrative, and evidence of compliance with environmental and other federal requirements.

Proposals are evaluated on a range of criteria, including benefits to priority species and habitats, long-term sustainability, alignment with regional restoration efforts, additional ecological or community benefits, and community support. Projects that enhance ecological resilience, offer permanent passage solutions, and contribute to watershed-level restoration priorities will be ranked more highly. The anticipated award date is June 2, 2025, with project durations expected to be completed by June 2, 2028.

For questions, applicants should contact John Netto at 503-724-8366 or via email at john_netto@fws.gov. Additional details, including evaluation criteria, application forms, and contact information for regional coordinators, are available on the program’s website.