Grants to Iowa government agencies, individuals, corporations, and other dam owners to reduce the dangers on aquatic trails and improve habitats. The goal of the program is to minimize hazards by installing warning signs, constructing portage trails, and modifying or removing low-head dams. When possible, applicants should include fish passages, recreational improvements, or stream habitat restoration in their projects.
Dam warning sign system and portage scoring criteria: Eligible projects for consideration for award as a small project shall include:
Warning signage and supporting infrastructure (posts, cabling, buoys, related structures) designed in accordance with methods shown in “Developing Water Trails in Iowa,” Chapter 6B.
Portage projects designed in accordance with methods shown in “Developing Water Trails in Iowa,” Chapter 3 and signed according to guidance outlined in Chapter 6B.
Exploratory phase dam mitigation scoring criteria: Eligible projects for consideration for award as a small project shall include:
Proposals resulting in exploratory and information gathering and recommendations are eligible. Examples include, but are not limited to, hydrology/hydraulic studies or models, cultural review, public outreach, planning, environmental, engineering feasibility studies.
Design engineering phase and construction phase dam mitigation scoring criteria: Eligible projects for consideration of award as a medium project shall include:
Engineering phase project eligibility (Up to $80,000): Proposals with scope resulting in restoration/ engineering design at least to preliminary design level, preferably to permitted level. Construction costs related to modification or removal of hazardous dams. Note that requests for project elements eligible under “Exploratory” can be included in the same application.
Construction phase project eligibility (Up to the amount available in grant cycle): Proposals resulting in contracted construction costs, biddable construction plans and specifications, and contracted inspection costs related to modification or removal of hazardous dams. Requests should not exceed total amount listed on the DNR web site that is allocated to the grant program.
Local governments (cities, counties, and their agencies), state agencies, corporations, individuals, and other dam owners are eligible applicants.
Other entities may apply for funds on behalf of the dam owner, but must show a signed agreement with the dam-owning entity(ies) that allows the partner entity to act as the agent for the dam owner.
Pre-Application Information
Application deadline is September 22, 2023.
Applications will be scored within 45 days of the application deadline. Applicants will receive notification of the date and will be invited to attend the scoring committee meeting. Commission approval will be within 45 days of the scoring committee meeting.
Sponsors shall provide at least fifty percent of the funds required to complete any project. Cost sharing funds may include local, private, federal or other state funds. Any claim of cost share, including reasonable in kind contributions, shall be supported through a signed letter from the organization providing the cost share.
Additional Funding Information
Estimated Total Program Funding:
$300,000
Estimated Size of Grant
Dam warning signage system or portage projects: Warning signage and dam portage projects can receive up to 50 percent state cost-share, with a maximum of $50,000 program share per project site.
Exploratory phase dam mitigation projects: Exploratory-phase projects can be considered for proposed program requests up to $50,000. Maximum program cost-share is 50 percent.
Engineering phase and construction phase projects: Design engineering phase projects may include proposed program requests over $80,000. Maximum state cost-share is 50 percent.
Term of Contract
Funds must be applied to intended use within three years of award.
Contact Information
Mail applications to:
Nate Hoogeveen
Iowa DNR
502 E 9th ST
Des Moines, IA 50319
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