Removal and replacement of five culverts and removal or modification of 8 7 weirs to address access by anadromous fish to approximately 62 river miles in the lower umpqua river watershed

The Coquille Indian Tribe received a $1.49 million Project Grant from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) under the Highway Planning and Construction program (CFDA 20.205), awarded on September 24, 2025, with an ultimate completion date of November 1, 2028. The award funds the removal and replacement of five culverts and removal or modification of 87 weirs in the Lower Umpqua River Watershed near North Bend, Oregon. These infrastructure improvements will restore anadromous fish passage to approximately 62 river miles, providing access to spawning and rearing habitat for threatened and sensitive species including Oregon Coastal Coho Salmon (ESA-listed threatened), Chinook Salmon, Oregon Coast Steelhead, Pacific Lamprey, and Cutthroat Trout, as well as resident populations of Rainbow Trout, Western Brook Lamprey, and other native fish species.

This project integrates environmental restoration and fish passage objectives within the FHWA's transportation infrastructure improvement mandate, addressing both ecological recovery and aquatic organism passage requirements. The award demonstrates the agency's support for tribal-led initiatives that enhance environmental stewardship while improving aquatic habitat access across the Lower Umpqua River ecosystem.

These projects will improve passage to spawning and rearing habitat for anadromous populations of chinook salmon, oregon coastal coho salmon (ESA listed, threatened), oregon coast steelhead (BLM sensitive), and cutthroat trout, pacific lamprey (BLM sensitive species) as well as resident populations of rainbow and cutthroat trout, western brook lamprey, and other native fish species.