Butte Creek/Sutter Bypass Weir 1 Improvement Design and Permitting Project
About
The Butte Creek Sutter Bypass West Borrow Canal (WBC) Weir #1 is a dilapidated weir structure and is no longer able to be used as a weir for the purposes of diverting and delivering water for agricultural use and to the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Sutter National Wildlife Refuge (Sutter NWR). The USFWS seek the design and permitting required for the partial removal of the weir and construction of a rock ramp that will maintain water surface elevations adequate to provide reliable water diversion rates and flows sufficient for fish passage. A feasibility study and report for Weir 1 has already been completed; final design and permitting are the next logical step in addressing the conditions at the weir. The flows required for diversion and passage should be consistent with minimum flow agreement requirements (M&T Ranch Agreement Decree Diversion 50) as well as flows through the fish passage structure at the Giusti Weir, located approximately 3.75 mile upstream. The flows of Butte Creek are diverted past the natural outlet to the Sacramento River (known as the Butte Slough Outfall Gates and under most conditions are directed downstream through the Butte Slough. The Butte Slough is bifurcated at a point just upstream of the State Route 20 bridge crossing, identified as the East-West Diversion Weir. The East-West Diversion splits the flows of Butte Slough to approximately 60% to the East and 40% to the West side borrow canals. Butte Slough above the East-West.
The Butte Creek/Sutter Bypass Weir 1 Improvement Design and Permitting Project grant is designed for organizations and entities capable of undertaking infrastructure design and permitting work related to water management and fish passage systems. This federal funding opportunity supports the critical next phase of improving the deteriorating Weir #1 structure on the Butte Creek Sutter Bypass West Borrow Canal. The project funds design and permitting efforts for the partial removal of the existing dilapidated weir and construction of a rock ramp system that will maintain adequate water surface elevations for both agricultural water diversion and fish passage. This initiative is particularly valuable for organizations working in water resource management, environmental restoration, agricultural water systems, and fish passage infrastructure. The project builds on a completed feasibility study and aims to balance multiple objectives: reliable water delivery for agricultural purposes, compliance with the M&T Ranch Agreement Decree requirements, coordination with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Sutter National Wildlife Refuge, and improved fish passage consistency with upstream Giusti Weir operations. Applicants should have expertise in hydraulic engineering, environmental permitting, and water management infrastructure. Funding ranges from $1 to $850,000, making this suitable for professional engineering firms, non-profit conservation organizations, water districts, and government agencies involved in water resource and habitat restoration projects.
Funding Facts
● Applications openDeadline
July 19, 2026
Award Amount
$1 - $850K
Who can apply
Last verified July 5, 2026 · Source: Grants.gov
Grant Details
Grant Amount
$1 - $850K
Deadline
2026-07-19
Grant Type
federal
Application Cycle
Project-specific with deadline of July 19, 2026
Best For
Engineering firms, water districts, government agencies, non-profit conservation organizations, and environmental restoration entities specializing in water management infrastructure and fish passage systems
Eligibility
FWS conducts a review of the SAM.gov Exclusions database for all applicant entities and their key project personnel prior to award. The FWS cannot award funds to entities or their key project personnel identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions database as ineligible, prohibited/restricted or otherwise excluded from receiving Federal contracts, certain subcontracts, and certain Federal assistance and be
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for Butte Creek/Sutter Bypass Weir 1 Improvement Design and Permitting Project?
Eligible applicants must not be identified in the SAM.gov Exclusions database as ineligible, prohibited, restricted, or otherwise excluded from receiving Federal contracts, subcontracts, or Federal assistance. The FWS conducts a mandatory review of SAM.gov Exclusions for all applicant entities and key project personnel prior to award. For complete eligibility requirements and specific entity type qualifications, consult the official Fish and Wildlife Service grant program documentation.
How much funding does Butte Creek/Sutter Bypass Weir 1 Improvement Design and Permitting Project provide?
This grant program provides funding ranging from $1 to $850,000. The specific amount awarded may vary depending on project scope, design complexity, and permitting requirements. Applicants should refer to the official program guidelines for details on budget justification and funding allocation criteria.
How do I apply for Butte Creek/Sutter Bypass Weir 1 Improvement Design and Permitting Project?
Applications must be submitted through the official grants portal designated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Before applying, verify your organization's eligibility by checking the SAM.gov Exclusions database. Ensure all key project personnel are also clear of any federal exclusions. Visit the official FWS grants website for application instructions, required documentation, submission procedures, and the specific deadline of July 19, 2026.
What can Butte Creek/Sutter Bypass Weir 1 Improvement Design and Permitting Project funding be used for?
Funding supports design and permitting activities for the Weir #1 improvement project, including engineering design for partial weir removal and rock ramp construction. The project aims to maintain water surface elevations for agricultural water diversion while improving fish passage and ensuring compliance with minimum flow agreement requirements. Expenses may include hydraulic engineering services, environmental permitting, design documentation, and coordination with regulatory agencies. Contact the FWS directly for detailed allowable costs and budget guidelines.
Last updated: July 5, 2026