Request for Proposals: Advancing Culvert and Bridge Restoration in Coastal New Jersey

Request for Proposals: Advancing Culvert and Bridge Restoration in Coastal New Jersey

The New York-New Jersey Harbor & Estuary Program (HEP) is requesting proposals for culvert or bridge restoration projects in the New Jersey portion of the Hudson-Raritan Estuary in order to enhance aquatic connectivity and/or address undersized bridges or culverts that may cause flooding. This funding opportunity will support an organization in the assessment, identification, planning, and design of culvert or bridge restoration.

For six years, HEP's Aquatic Connectivity Through Climate-Ready Infrastructure project has addressed two of our region’s pressing issues in and around streams: habitat loss and flooding. Streams that were once free flowing are now crisscrossed with roads, which can affect the ability of fish to utilize aquatic habitat. Additionally, communities are exposed to flood risks due to undersized culverts and bridges. HEP is seeking proposals from partners interested in prioritizing and designing structures to replace the culverts and bridges that no longer serve people or wildlife. Projects should include both the identification of culverts or bridges for restoration using HEP’s toolkit, including assessments of stream road-crossings using NAACC protocol, if needed; and advancement of culvert or bridge restoration through planning, design, and/or stakeholder engagement and outreach.

This opportunity will support one project for up to $80,000. Eligible recipients include local governments, non-profits, or consultants working in partnership with the entity that owns or maintains the infrastructure in question (generally municipalities, counties, or transportation agencies). Culverts or bridges evaluated for restoration must be within the boundaries of the Hudson-Raritan Estuary in New Jersey (see map).