Culverts have been an infrastructure design staple for many years as they are an efficient means to maintain traffic flow without disruption. Moreover, culverts have assisted in protecting developed areas by diverting potentially hazardous stormwater run-off.

In today’s world, many of the previously built culverts are significantly degrading due to natural causes and extensive service life. Luckily, culvert grant programs exist to help promote the repair, replacement, and removal of outdated or weakened culverts.  

The Purpose of the National Culvert Grant Program

 The National Culvert Removal, Replacement, and Restoration Grant Program (NCRRR) helps restore or improve existing stormwater structures by replacing, removing, repairing, or improving weirs or culverts. The program focuses on prioritizing projects that include elements to help improve passages for endangered or threatened fish species.

Moreover, it focuses on projects to help create more than 200 additional meters of upstream habitats. The grant was previously posted for the public on October 6th, 2022, with applications being accepted through February 6th, 2023.

How To Apply for the Grant

The NCRRR Grant Program includes several application requirements that must be met in order to receive approval.

Application Requirements

When applying for the Culvert Grant Program, applicants must first include the following project information:

  • Project location
  • Project description
  • Parties involved
  • Project readiness
  • Required environmental permits and review approvals

Project schedule

Second, the applicant must include grant funds, sources, and uses for all project funding. As an example, the applicant can include federal funds sources or uses of project funds, and detailed budgets.

Finally, applicants must meet project selection criteria and provide scalable project options.

Evaluation Requirements

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) will evaluate all applications to determine eligibility and if projects meet the specific grant criteria. A few notable requirements include:

  • Conservation benefits stormwater flow
  • Ecosystem benefits, equity, and barriers to opportunities
  • Project monitoring and evaluation

There are other contributing factors to seeking statutory evaluation requirements. They can include Project readiness, environmental review and permitting risks, financial completeness, and application qualifications. These are examples of additional factors that must meet the approval process.

 

At InfraSteel, our culvert lining systems help easily meet flow, design life, and structural requirements with site-specific steel culvert liners. Each liner is designed in order to improve flow capacity and increase structural integrity. InfraSteel strives to provide culvert lining systems and designs that deliver optimal culvert performance for many years to come. Reach out to our dedicated team today for more information about our culvert systems.