Aquatic Organism Passage Grant

The Aquatic Organism Passage Grant, managed by the Lake Champlain Basin Program, aims to restore aquatic organism passage and enhance stream connectivity in the Lake Champlain Basin. With approximately $2.5 million available, the program invites proposals that support the Healthy Ecosystem goals outlined in the Opportunities for Action plan. Projects can include activities like culvert replacements and dam removals, with a focus on improving habitat and ecosystem functions for aquatic life.

Note: There are two submission deadlines/rounds but applicants can only submit their applications in one of the two rounds. Round 1: No later than 5:00 PM EST, Monday, September 8, 2025. Round 2: No later than 5:00 PM EST on Wednesday, October 8, 2025.
The Patrick Leahy Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP), in coordination with the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (“NEIWPCC”), is pleased to announce a Request for Proposals (RFP) for projects that will directly support the Healthy Ecosystem goals of Opportunities for Action: An Evolving Plan for the Future of the Lake Champlain Basin by restoring aquatic organism passage in the U.S. portion of the Lake Champlain Basin. The intent of this opportunity is to remove barriers to aquatic organism passage and restore stream connectivity, adding high-quality habitat, connecting cold-water stream networks, and enhancing natural ecosystem function of river systems.
Approximately $2.5 million is available to support awarded projects. Proposals should offer a scope that supports work in the U.S. portion of the Lake Champlain basin.
Targeted outcomes for projects in this category include improved aquatic organism passage; connected, cold-water stream networks; and enhanced natural ecosystem function of river systems.
Activities supported by this funding opportunity could include all phases of culvert replacement or dam removal projects, including but not limited to: Engagement, education, and outreach efforts (to foster future removal of barriers to aquatic organism passage and restore stream connectivity); Project screening/scoping; Feasibility and/or alternatives analyses; Engineering design and/or permitting; Construction/site restoration; Site monitoring; and Site maintenance.