Enhancement Dam Removal Design and Implementation Block Grant

The Enhancement Dam Removal Design and Implementation Block Grant is administered by Watersheds United Vermont (WUV) and funded through the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation’s Clean Water Initiative Program (CWIP). This program supports projects that advance water quality improvements through the removal of dams, with an emphasis on restoring hydrologic connectivity, improving aquatic habitat, and enhancing watershed resilience. The funding aligns with the statutory purposes of Water Quality Enhancement Grants, expanding beyond traditional nutrient reduction goals to include broader environmental and community co-benefits such as habitat restoration, flood resilience, and public access to waterways. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support multiple phases of dam removal projects, including preliminary engineering design, final engineering design, and full implementation. Eligible projects must demonstrate alignment with at least one of the CWIP enhancement objectives, such as minimizing pollution, restoring habitats, reducing erosion hazards, or addressing toxic contaminants. The program supports activities such as feasibility studies, design development, permitting, stakeholder engagement, construction, and post-removal restoration. However, projects must remain focused on necessary clean water outcomes, as additional enhancements beyond these objectives must be funded separately. Funding is provided as part of a block grant structure, with WUV overseeing subawards to eligible applicants. While a specific award range is not formally defined, an approximate funding amount of 850,000 is indicated for the program. Funds may be used for project management, contractor procurement, design and engineering work, permitting, construction, and required reporting. Certain expenses are explicitly ineligible, including general office supplies, food and event costs, political advocacy, and expenses incurred outside the grant period. Equipment purchases are subject to strict cost thresholds and policy requirements. Eligibility is limited to non-regulatory projects that meet CWIP funding criteria and align with statutory enhancement purposes such as protecting high-quality waters, restoring degraded systems, or improving community resilience. Projects must be pre-identified in watershed planning documents or approved by DEC watershed planners. In addition, applicants must complete a Project Readiness and Eligibility Screening Form and undergo a Vermont Division for Historic Preservation (VDHP) review process if awarded. Private individuals, for-profit businesses, federal agencies, and DEC programs are not eligible to apply. The application process requires submission of two separate documents via email: a complete application (in Word or PDF format) and a combined document including the Project Readiness and Eligibility Screening Form along with all supplemental materials. Applications must be submitted to both the WUV Director and Grant Manager via email. Applicants are encouraged to contact program staff with questions throughout the process. Required components include documentation of project readiness, stakeholder engagement, feasibility assessments, and alignment with CWIP objectives. Applications are evaluated based on several criteria, including project importance, scale, likelihood of success, demonstrated need, and cost effectiveness. Additional prioritization is given to projects that protect high-quality waters, serve environmental justice populations, or are located outside areas with other funding sources. Projects must demonstrate strong planning, community support, and the ability to complete milestones within the proposed timeline. Evaluation also considers whether the project contributes to broader watershed improvements and aligns with regional planning efforts. The grant cycle for this funding round opened on June 5, 2026, with applications due on August 4, 2026. Awards are expected to be announced in September 2026. Projects are expected to be implemented or designed during the 2026–2027 timeframe. The program appears to follow an annual release pattern, indicating future funding rounds are likely. Applicants should prepare for recurring opportunities by aligning projects with CWIP priorities and maintaining readiness for future submission cycles.

Ensure project aligns with CWIP statutory purposes and watershed plans; demonstrate readiness and stakeholder support; clearly justify budget and feasibility; highlight environmental and community benefits