Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA)

To protect, restore, and enhance fish, wildlife, and associated habitats in the Central Valley and Trinity River basins of California; To address impacts of the Central Valley Project on fish, wildlife and associated habitats; To improve the operatio

The Central Valley Project Improvement Act (CVPIA) Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs), managed by the Bureau of Reclamation and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, aim to restore natural production of anadromous fish and improve habitats degraded by the Central Valley Project. These CVPIA grant programs support two primary, interconnected goals: habitat and facility actions to help various life stages of fish, and targeted research to address key information needs for improving effectiveness of actions. CVPIA Habitat & Facility Improvement NOFOs These opportunities fund on-the-ground projects that enhance salmonid spawning and rearing habitat, such as creating side channels, adding spawning gravel, and installing fish screens on water diversions. The purpose is to directly improve the survival, passage, and production of Chinook salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon, helping meet the CVPIA's legal mandate to double natural fish populations. CVPIA SIT Fish Information Needs NOFOs These opportunities, directly related to the CVPIA Science Integration Team (SIT), focus on reducing key scientific uncertainties to guide restoration strategies and actions. These grants fund studies, data collection, and monitoring for Chinook salmon, O. mykiss, and sturgeon. By utilizing Structured Decision Making (SDM), this research ensures that habitat and facility projects are based on the best available science, maximizing the effectiveness of the CVP Restoration Fund. Together, these programs provide an adaptive, science-based approach to protect and restore the Central Valley's native fish and aquatic ecosystems in balance with California's growing water demands.

Applicants may be State, local governments, Native American Organizations, other public nonprofit institutions/organizations, private nonprofit/organizations, or for profit organizations. No other Federal agency may apply.

General public.

Funds may be used for research to improve management and increase Anadromous fish resources; spawning area improvement; installation of fish passages; construction of fish protection devices, and data collections. Agreements will be awarded for projects that will result in attaining the objectives noted above and the mandates set out in the CVPIA. Areas of emphasis include fish and wildlife restoration activities and investigations, evaluation of ecologic and hydrologic effects of existing and alternative operations of water facilities and systems, the effects of the CVP on anadromous fish populations, and delivery of refuge water supplies. The Secretary of the Interior is authorized and directed to promulgate such regulations and enter into such agreements as may be necessary to implement the intent, purposes and provisions of Title XXXIV. This title does not and shall not be interpreted to authorize construction of water storage facilities. For further information, please contact the regional office.

Funds may be used for research to improve management and increase Anadromous fish resources; spawning area improvement; installation of fish passages; construction of fish protection devices, and data collections. Agreements will be awarded for projects that will result in attaining the objectives noted above and the mandates set out in the CVPIA. Areas of emphasis include fish and wildlife restoration activities and investigations, evaluation of ecologic and hydrologic effects of existing and alternative operations of water facilities and systems, the effects of the CVP on anadromous fish populations, and delivery of refuge water supplies. The Secretary of the Interior is authorized and directed to promulgate such regulations and enter into such agreements as may be necessary to implement the intent, purposes and provisions of Title XXXIV. This title does not and shall not be interpreted to authorize construction of water storage facilities. For further information, please contact the regional office.

Project awards are generally from one to five years, depending on the complexity of the project and availability of funds.

Proposals will be reviewed by a team of Federal staff based on the following criteria: Addresses high priority need as described in the Request for Proposal (RFP) "Purposes and Funding Priorities"; Clearly stated goals, objectives, hypotheses, and relevance of idea; Approach is valid and technically sound; Primary Investigators and/or subcontractors record of performance and expertise; Budget is reasonable and provides good value for funds requested; and Cost sharing or in-kind contributions.

The successful applicant will be notified after selection and confirmation of available funding. An applicant should not initiate a project in expectation of USFWS funding, nor should they purchase materials or begin work until such time as they receive the final award document signed by an authorized Service official.

Contact the headquarters or regional office.

Contact the headquarters or regional office.