FHWA-CAOP-23-001 National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration (Culvert Aquatic Organism Passage)

The purpose of the BIT3 Program is to fund the replacement or rehabilitation of county-owned bridges that are classified as Type 3 bridges [1] by the U.S. Department of Interior Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) and cross a water conveyance structure owned by USBR. Eligible applicants under the BIT3 Competitive Grant Program are counties which own a Type 3 bridge crossing a water conveyance structure owned by USBR. Projects eligible for funding are projects for the replacement or rehabilitation of bridges that: (A) are owned by a county; (B) are classified as a Type 3 bridge by USBR; (C) are eligible under the Federal Lands Access Program (FLAP) (23 United States Code (U.S.C.) § 204); and (D) cross a water conveyance structure owned by USBR. The BIT3 Competitive Grant Program does not require a minimum cost share. The Federal share for BIT3 Competitive Grant Program funds shall be 100 percent of funds requested for eligible project scope. [1] Type 3 bridge means any non-USBR-owned bridge over 20 feet in length, or bridge-like structure between 6 and 20 feet in length, that crosses a USBR dam, associated facility, power facility, or land interest (Reclamation Manual Directives and Standards FAC 07-01, as updated on June 9, 2023). An associated facility means all remaining Reclamation facilities other than high- and significant-hazard potential dams. Types of associated facilities include: carriage, distribution, and drainage systems [canals]; pumping and pump-generating plants; tunnels; penstocks, siphons, and pipelines; diversion and storage dams (low-hazard potential) and regulating reservoirs; fish passage and protective facilities, including hatcheries; river channelization features; rural/municipal water systems; desalting and other water treatment plants; facilities constructed under past loan programs; and recreation facilities (Reclamation Manual Directives and Standards FAC 01-04, as updated on April 13, 2020).

The purpose of the Culvert AOP Competitive Grant Program is to provide funding to eligible entities for the replacement, removal, and repair of culverts or weirs that meaningfully improve or restore fish passage for anadromous fish. Anadromous fish are born in freshwater and spend most of their lives in saltwater, returning to freshwater to spawn. Salmon are a well-known example of anadromous fish.

This NOFO will award up to $150 million in Federal funding to eligible entities to reduce idling and emissions at port facilities, including through the advancement of port electrification. The $150 million represents the combined amounts authorized for this program for Fiscal Years (FYs) 2024, 2025, and 2026. FHWA may also award any remaining and available funds from FY 2023 under this opportunity. The actual amount available to be awarded under this notice will be subject to the availability of funds. There is no minimum or maximum award amount for the RTEPF Competitive Grant Program awards.