Dam Removal Resources
The resources listed below occasionally provide and/or administer grants that can be used for dam removal. Some of these resources can also provide technical assistance with the design and permitting processes. If you are aware of a resource that should be listed here and isn't, please inform the Dam Safety Program at DEEP.DamSafety@ct.gov.
State Resources
CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) - This Grant and Financial Assistance Dashboard allows users to search through the many funding opportunities that are administered or awarded by DEEP. While assistance may be offered through several programs, the CWA Section 319 Nonpoint Source program (located under 'Funding Opportunities' on the dashboard), has been especially helpful for dam removal funding in the past.
CT Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) - To help protect coastal and inland communities in Connecticut and throughout the Northeast, CIRCA offers grants through several programs intended to address problems that arise due to climate change. In the past, their Municipal Resilience Grant Program has funded projects that address restoration and resiliency.
CT Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) - STEAP funds economic development, community conservation, and quality-of-life capital projects for localities that are ineligible to receive Urban Action bonds.
CT State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) - SHPO administers a range of federal and state programs that identify, register and protect the buildings, sites, structures, districts and objects that comprise Connecticut's cultural heritage. SHPO is most likely to be involved with the Environmental Review process than financial support for dam removal projects.
Federal Resources
Fish and Wildlife Service National Fish Passage Program - The National Fish Passage Program provides financial and technical assistance for projects that improve the ability of fish or other aquatic species to migrate by reconnecting habitat that has been fragmented by a barrier such as a dam or culvert. Fish passage project proposals can be initiated by any individual, organization, government, or agency. On average the program contributes about $70,000 per project. There is no upper limit to project funding.
Fish and Wildlife Service Partners for Fish and Wildlife - All private landowners interested in restoring wildlife habitat on their land are eligible to participate. Current partners include farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, recreational landowners, corporations, local governments and universities.
NOAA Restoring Fish Passage through Barrier Removal Grants - NOAA will accept proposals between $750,000 and $8 million to implement locally-led removals of dams and other in-stream barriers. Eligible applicants are institutions of higher education, non-profits, commercial (for profit) organizations, U.S. territories, and state, local, and tribal governments. institutions of higher education, non-profits, commercial (for profit) organizations, U.S. territories, and state, local, and tribal governments
NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) - EQIP provides technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers and forest landowners to address natural resource concerns, such as: Improved water and air quality, conserved ground and surface water, increased soil health, reduced soil erosion and sedimentation, improved or created wildlife habitat, and mitigation against drought and increasing weather volatility.
Funding Program |
Eligible Applicants |
Funding Range |
| Fish and Wildlife Service National Fish Passage Program | individuals, organizations, governments, or agencies | No upper limit; projects average about $70,000 |
| Fish and Wildlife Service Partners for Fish and Wildlife | all private landowners, including farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, recreational landowners, corporations, local governments, and universities | Contact Fish and Wildlife for more info |
| NOAA Restoring Fish Passage through Barrier Removal Grants | institutions of higher education, non-profits, commercial (for profit) organizations, U.S. territories, and state, local, and tribal governments | $750,000-$8,000,000 |
| NRCS Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) | farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners who own or rent agricultural land | Contact NRCS for more info |
Non-Governmental Organizations
American Rivers - A 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is to protect and restore rivers by removing dams, replacing culverts, and restoring floodplains. To protect waters, American Rivers works with local partners, including technical assistance with grant applications and restoration design.
Association of State Dam Safety Officials (ASDSO) - A 501(c)(3) non-profit that provides education, information and assistance to dam safety programs. ASDSO also provides information for dam owners with their Dam Safety Toolbox.
Long Island Sound (LIS) Partnership - Originally known as the Long Island Sound Study, the LIS Partnership was formed by the EPA and agencies from Connecticut and New York in 1985. Their mission is to lead a collective effort to restore and care for the Sound and its watershed. The LIS Partnership offers many grants, including some that directly support projects aimed at restoring rivers.
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) - A 501(c)(3) non-profit that collaborates with individuals, government agencies, non-profits, and corporations to foster sustainable and impactful conservation solutions. The NFWF manages and supports grant-awarding organizations and often contributes additional funding.
Save the Sound - A 501(c)(3) non-profit whose mission is "to protect and improve the land, air, and water of the whole Long Island Sound region." Their Ecological Restoration team collaborates with communities, officials, agencies, and engineers to restore rivers by helping to remove dams, build fishways, and retrofit culverts.
Sustainable CT - A 501(c)(3) non-profit that encourages municipalities to "create high collective impact for current and future residents" by connecting communities to grant opportunities.
Trout Unlimited - A 501(c)(3) non-profit focused on repairing and restoring rivers by providing scientific support and advocating for policies that promote conservation. Reconnecting fragmented watersheds is one of their methods of protecting "Priority Waters".
For further information contact the DEEP Dam Safety Regulatory Program at (860) 424-3706 or by email at DEEP.DamSafety@ct.gov
Content last edited February 2026