DER opens culvert replacement grant program for FY25

The Division of Ecological Restoration announced that it has opened the application period for the fiscal 2025 Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance Grant Program, with a deadline of April 12.

The program provides funding to municipalities who are interested in replacing undersized, perched, and/or degraded culverts located in areas of high ecological value. Only projects that are intended to meet the Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards will be considered.

Projects should be designed to facilitate fish and wildlife passage, maintain the natural movement of water and sediment through the stream crossing, and reconnect upstream and downstream habitats.

Awards typically range from $25,000 to $400,000 and are anticipated to be posted this summer. Work must be completed by June 30, 2025.

New in fiscal 2025 is the implementation of Division of Ecological Restoration Culvert Replacement Training Sites, which will serve as case studies and provide in-depth training for local road managers and surrounding communities.

Training sites are long-term projects/relationships between the DER and municipalities stretching across multiple fiscal years. Successful applicants generally do not need to re-apply in subsequent years to seek funding for future phases of work. Applicants with projects in the planning or field data collection phases (i.e., new projects) are anticipated to have the option to apply to become a DER Culvert Replacement Training Site.

Interested communities should view the full announcement, including funding, eligibility and evaluation criteria, on COMMBUYS. The RFR ID is DER 2024-03.

For more information, visit the Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance program FAQs or email DERCulverts@mass.gov.