# WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration (15.580)

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/programs/15-580-watersmart-aquatic-ecosystem-restoration/  
Publisher: Well Told Grants. Data: USAspending.gov and Grants.gov, updated November 7, 2026.

WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration is run by Department of the Interior. From fiscal 2021 to 2025 it awarded $52.2 million in 25 grants, about $2.1 million per award.

## Objectives

The objective of the Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration Program is to work cooperatively with states, Tribes, and other entities as they study, design and construct aquatic ecosystem restoration projects that are collaboratively developed, have widespread regional benefits, and result in the improvement of the health of fisheries, wildlife, and aquatic habitat through restoration and improved fish passage. As used here, “aquatic ecosystem” refers to freshwater and brackish water habitats such as lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, wetlands, swamps, and estuaries and the adjacent floodplains, riparian corridors, deltas, and shallow aquifers that interact with surface water.

## Funding by fiscal year

| Year | Amount | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $0 | 0 |
| 2022 | $0 | 0 |
| 2023 | $0 | 0 |
| 2024 | $34.4 million | 12 |
| 2025 | $17.7 million | 14 |

## Largest recipients

| Recipient | State | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| State of Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife | Oregon | $14.5 million |
| Yurok Tribe | California | $11.6 million |
| Confederated Tribes and Bands of the Yakama Nation | Washington | $7.5 million |
| North Unit Irrigation District | Oregon | $6.0 million |
| State of California Department of Water Resources | California | $2.5 million |
| Sonoma County Water Agency | California | $2.0 million |
| Blue River Watershed Group | Colorado | $1.8 million |
| Henry's Fork Foundation, Inc | Idaho | $1.1 million |
| Nambe Pueblo Governor's Office | New Mexico | $1.0 million |
| Yakima County | Washington | $1.0 million |
| County of, Chelan | Washington | $806,510 |
| Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District | Colorado | $761,000 |
| Deschutes River Conservancy | Oregon | $651,542 |
| East Bay Municipal Utility District | California | $650,000 |
| Sacramento Region Water Forum | California | $650,000 |
| Lake County Umbrella Watershed Council | Oregon | $623,526 |
| Casper, City of | Wyoming | $567,117 |
| Pueblo de San Felipe | New Mexico | $411,638 |