[Fish and Wildlife Service](https://www.fws.gov/)

January 23, 2026 (11:59 PM ET)

Up to $1,500,000 total; 1 expected award; project period from February 2026 to November 2027

Supports the restoration of approximately 55 acres of wetlands in the Crane Creek lacustuary area to improve fish and benthic habitat and water quality in Lake Erie.

No cost sharing or matching required; land acquisition is not eligible.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity, offered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, supports the restoration of approximately 55 acres of wetlands in the lacustuary area of Crane Creek within the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge (ONWR), located in the Maumee Area of Concern (AOC). The project aims to improve fish and benthic habitat through site assessments, engineering, design, permitting, and implementation activities such as site surveys, construction of barrier bars and islands, invasive species control, and plantings. The long-term maintenance of the restored site will be managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The restoration is intended to address biological Beneficial Use Impairments (BUIs) related to fish populations, benthos, and fish habitat, contributing to the eventual delisting of the Maumee AOC and improved water quality for Lake Erie. The project is modeled after successful wetland restorations in the Great Lakes region and requires applicants to demonstrate expertise in large river system and coastal/lacustuary habitat restoration. --- ## Due Dates - Application deadline: January 23, 2026 (11:59 PM ET) - Anticipated project start date: February 3, 2026 - Anticipated project end date: November 1, 2027 --- ## Funding Amount - Estimated total program funding: $1,500,000 - Award ceiling: $1,500,000 - Award floor: $1 - Expected number of awards: 1 - No cost sharing or matching is required. --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants include: - State governments - County governments - City or township governments - Special district governments - Independent school districts - Public and State controlled institutions of higher education - Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized) - Public housing authorities/Indian housing authorities - Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments) - Nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (excluding institutions of higher education) - Private institutions of higher education - Small businesses **Note:** The program reserves the right to reject projects not aligned with its goals or priorities. Land acquisition is not eligible for funding. --- ## Application Process - Applications must be submitted electronically through [GrantSolutions.gov](https://www.grantsolutions.gov/) or via [Grants.gov](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360891). - Required registrations: SAM.gov (for a Unique Entity Identifier), GrantSolutions, and Login.gov. - Key application documents: - SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance) - SF-424A or SF-424C (Budget Information) - Project Abstract Summary - Project Narrative (including goals, methods, timeline, personnel, and stakeholder coordination) - Budget Narrative - Other forms as specified (e.g., SF-LLL if applicable, R&D forms for research projects) Applicants should demonstrate experience in ecological restoration, contractor management, and coordination with stakeholders. Proposals are evaluated on technical merit, qualifications, cost-effectiveness, timeliness, and stakeholder engagement. --- ## Additional Information - This project supports the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Focus Area 1: Toxic Substances and Areas of Concern. - Buy America preferences apply for infrastructure projects. - Allowable costs must comply with federal cost principles (2 C.F.R. Part 200). - Foreign travel and pre-award costs are not allowed. - Reporting requirements include financial and performance reports and compliance with federal statutes and executive orders. --- ## External Links - [FWS Funding Opportunity Announcement (PDF)](https://api.atomgrants.com/storage/v1/object/public/grants3-sources/Foa_Content_of_F25AS00317.pdf) - [Grants.gov Opportunity Synopsis](https://www.grants.gov/search-results-detail/360891) - [Fish and Wildlife Service](https://www.fws.gov/) - [GrantSolutions.gov](https://www.grantsolutions.gov/) - [SAM.gov Registration](https://sam.gov/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Notes | |----------------------|-----------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------| | Jose Batlle Ramirez | [jose_batlleramirez@fws.gov](mailto:jose_batlleramirez@fws.gov) | Primary contact for questions about this opportunity | | Amber Bellamy | [amber_bellamy@fws.gov](mailto:amber_bellamy@fws.gov) | Additional contact for application questions |

F25AS00317 Crane Creek Lacustuary Restoration

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