§6703 National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration Grant Program

Summary

Creates an annual competitive grant program to replace, remove, or fix culverts and weirs so anadromous fish (fish that migrate from the ocean to rivers) can move more easily. Definitions used: Director — head of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Indian Tribe — as defined in the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act; Program — the yearly grant program; Secretary — the Secretary of Transportation; Undersecretary — the Undersecretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere. States, local governments, and Indian Tribes can apply for grants. The Secretary, with the Undersecretary and the Director, will set the rules and pick projects. Priority goes to work helping endangered or threatened anadromous stocks, stocks that might become listed, stocks that are prey for protected species (including Southern resident orcas), climate-resilient stocks, and projects that open more than 200 meters of upstream habitat. The federal share for state or local projects is up to 80%. The agencies must offer technical help to Tribes and underserved communities. Up to 2% of each year’s program money may pay admin costs. Congress authorized $800,000,000 each year for fiscal years 2022 through 2026.