What is the Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance (CRMA) Grant Program?
The Division of Ecological Restoration’s (DER) Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance Grant Program provides funding to Massachusetts Municipalities and other applicants interested in replacing an undersized, perched, and/or degraded culvert in an area of high ecological value. The purpose of this funding is to encourage municipalities and other applicants to replace culverts with better designed crossings that meet improved structural and environmental design standards and flood resiliency criteria.
Only projects that intend to meet the goals of the Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards will be considered for funding. Projects should be designed to facilitate fish & wildlife passage, maintain the natural movement of water and sediment through the stream crossing, and reconnect upstream and downstream habitat.
How can I apply?
Please visit the Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance page and refer to the ‘How to Apply’ section for details and instructions on the application process. Applications for the FY25 grant are due by Friday, April 12 2024 at 4pm, and the FY25 RFR is posted to COMMBUYS at FY25 CRMA and Training Site RFR on COMMBUYS.
How can I submit a question on the grant opportunity/RFR?
Questions during the FY25 Request for Response (RFR) period must be submitted in writing by 4pm on March 22, 2024. Only clarifying or technical questions regarding the application and application process may be answered following the release of the RFR. All questions should be submitted to DERculverts@mass.gov with the subject line “RFR ID: DER 2024-03". Please visit the Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance page or refer to the ‘How can I apply?’ question above for the current link for the RFR posted to COMMBUYS, and refer to Section 4.2 of the RFR for more details.
Who can apply for a Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance Grant?
Eligible applicants include the Commonwealth of Massachusetts local government units, including towns, cities, districts, commissions, and regional governments; as well as federally recognized and state acknowledged tribes. Please visit the Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance page or refer to the ‘How can I apply?’ question above for the current link for the RFR posted to COMMBUYS, and refer to Section 1.3 of the RFR for more details.
What projects are eligible to apply?
Eligible projects must be culvert or bridge replacements located on a public way, owned and maintained by an applying municipality or other eligible applicant, and must cross a natural freshwater, non-tidal river or stream channel. The stream channel may be either intermittent or perennial. Projects must intend to meet the Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards.
What is a public way?
For the purposes of this RFR, the structure should be owned or maintained by a municipality or other eligible applicant. A public way includes a road, trail, or passageway that allows vehicle or foot traffic and serves a public purpose or provides public access. The existing structure and roadway approach should be publicly owned or be acquired through public leasehold, right-of-way, or easement before execution of a grant award.
Can I apply for more than one culvert or bridge replacement in the same grant round?
Each applicant may submit one grant application. In that grant application, you may propose the replacement or removal of a single culvert/bridge, or of multiple culverts/bridges located on the same local connected stream network. You may include up to three structures per application.
DER will evaluate proposed projects on the overall ecological and public benefits achieved. For applications to replace or remove multiple structures, DER seeks projects where the combined benefits to local stream connectivity and ecology significantly reconnects upstream and downstream habitat.
Proposals which include culverts and bridges scattered geographically or not hydrologically connected will not be competitive for funding. In these cases, applicants should instead choose to submit one structure for consideration.
Can an applicant apply for funding for a project which previously received a grant award?
Yes. Applicants awarded funding through the CRMA grant program in a previous year are eligible to apply for a new project and/or apply for continued work on the previously awarded project.
If I want to resubmit a project that was not funded previously, do I need to reapply?
Yes. If you wish to resubmit a previously unfunded project for consideration in the next funding round, you are required to submit a new application.
How are applications evaluated?
An interagency grant review committee uses the grant criteria to assess, score, and rank proposals. Detailed evaluation criteria are provided in Section 3.2 of the RFR posted to COMMBUYS. Please visit the Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance page or refer to the ‘How can I apply?’ question above for the current link for the RFR posted to COMMBUYS. DER seeks projects that:
-
Are Located in Areas of High Ecological Value – Project is in proximity to important habitat and will reconnect upstream and downstream habitat by removing barriers to fish and wildlife passage.
-
Meet Program Priorities – Project intends to meet the goals of the Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards.
-
Demonstrate Municipal/Applicant Support – Project is a high priority for the municipality/applicant and the municipality/applicant is committed to managing the project.
-
Have Identified a Pathway for Funding - The applicant has identified other sources of funding and how DER financial assistance will help the applicant advance the culvert replacement project(s) towards implementation.
-
Are Ready for the Proposed Phase of Work – Project has a scope, budget, and timeline that adequately meets grant program criteria and project goals.
-
Provide Multiple Project Benefits – Proposed project not only provides benefits to the environment, but also public safety, climate resiliency, and socio-economic benefits to environmental justice neighborhoods and/or the surrounding community.
How do I determine if my project is in an area of High Ecological Value?
DER uses several decision support tools, data sources, and staff expertise to evaluate environmental benefits. The Tools to Determine Environmental Benefits resource provides examples of decision-support tools and map layers that DER will use in part to assess Environmental Benefits of the proposed culvert replacement as part of the grant materials.
Does DER consider any other benefits to the environment, besides habitat value?
DER will consider the feasibility for and extent to which the proposed project will improve ecological function at the site. For example, DER will weigh whether the new stream crossing will (a) allow natural stream processes to occur, (b) allow the channel to naturally adjust and change over time, and (c) improve passage for fish and wildlife. DER will consider the severity of the existing barrier to fish passage and the expected magnitude of improvements with a replacement structure meeting the Stream Crossing Standards.
DER will consider any additional environmental information about the project site or possible environmental benefits from the proposed culvert replacement provided by the applicant. This may include, but is not limited to, information on critical habitat, bank erosion, water quality, and fish and wildlife species that inhabit the site/area.
What can Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance grant funds be used for?
The grant program provides funding towards any culvert replacement project phase. Typical project phases include field data collection (i.e., new projects), engineering and design, permitting, and construction. Applicants should only apply for funding for the portion of the project that can be completed within the period of performance, anticipated to be one year from the award announcement. Most culvert replacement projects need more than one fiscal year to complete the design and engineering, permitting, and construction.
If I propose multiple structures, can I also apply for different phases of work for each structure?
Yes, you can propose different phases of work for each proposed structure. Each structure may be at a different phase of the culvert replacement process and thus call for this. For instance, you may have not initiated work on Structure 1 and completed preliminary designs on Structure 2. In this scenario, you can apply for field data collection and design and engineering tasks for Structure 1, final design and engineering tasks for Structure #2 and permitting tasks for both Structure 1 and Structure 2.
What is the maximum grant amount that can be requested and what are typical award amounts for different project phases?
Individual awards typically range from $25,000 to $400,000, depending on the number of structures, project phases, and work proposed. For example, awards for field data collection for new single culvert replacement projects have typically ranged from $25,000 - $75,000, whereas awards for design and permitting have typically ranged from $50,000 - $125,000 depending on the complexity and needs of the project. Awards over $200,000 are anticipated for construction projects only. Awards historically have not exceeded $400,000. DER may consider construction costs over $400,000 pending our total funding allocation and competitiveness of other applications. For instance, a project that is requesting $450,000 and has a high score due to high ecological and community benefits may be more likely to be considered for funding versus a project requesting $800,000 or having fewer benefits. Further details on funding availability will be found in the Grant Materials and RFR posted to COMMBUYS, when available.
Is there a match requirement?
Applicants are not required to provide match. However, applicants are asked to report other known sources of funding for the proposed project, including both secured and anticipated sources.
Will DER pay for the full cost of the culvert or bridge replacement project?
The Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance Grant Program is intended as an incentive grant and other funding will likely be required to complete the project.
What is the Training Site Initiative?
DER’s Culvert Replacement Training Site Initiative is designed to build and implement a network of culvert replacement sites across the state that can serve as case studies and provide in-depth training opportunities for surrounding municipalities. The initiative aims to create a network of road managers with advanced experience implementing culvert replacements that meet the Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards. Selected Lead Organizations and designated Training Sites are eligible to apply for additional funding opportunities through all phases of the project including; field data collection, design, permitting, and construction.
What do I need to apply for a grant?
Grant resources including the Request for Response (RFR) have been posted to COMMBUYS. Please visit the Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance page and refer to the ‘How to Apply’ section for the current link for the RFR Posted on COMMBUYS. Additional technical resources can be found on the CRMA webpage. Required documents needed to submit an online grant application include:
-
Online Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance Application (Required, link provided in the RFR. Please note the online file system has a strict 25 MB limitation for total size of all uploaded materials, including photos, budget template, and supporting documentation. Applicants should reduce file size or be selective about what documents to upload as needed to meet this limitation.)
-
Project Photos (Required)
-
Budget Template (Required, posted to COMMBUYS)
-
Supporting Documentation (As applicable)
What are the most relevant supporting documents & plan details I should include with my application?
Applicants should include, when applicable, field data notes and/or summary technical reports, design plan sheets, cost estimates, design or construction bids, etc. For summary technical reports and design plan sheets, the following are examples of information most helpful to grant reviewers: existing and proposed conditions; location where bankfull measurements were taken; stream longitudinal profile showing the larger stream profile and grade controls; design storm details and elevations; structure alignment and elevations; stream cross-sections; typical stream reconstruction details and streambed material specifications; stream and bank restoration details; and geotechnical borings. Projects in the early-design stages may or may not include all these details. Projects further into design or being proposed for construction funding should include as many of these details as possible.
Do you have examples of successful projects from previous grant rounds?
Grant announcements from previous rounds are listed on the grant program’s website under the “Related” links.
Are there any other resources I could use to help estimate costs for a new project?
We have included a sample Bid Request for the Culvert Replacement Field Data Collection Phase on the CRMA webpage. This outlines the typical tasks included in the initial phase of a culvert replacement project and can be used to generate and request cost estimates. For new projects, applicants should indicate in the budget narrative how cost estimates were generated (e.g. based on other projects in town, engineer cost estimates, etc.). For more advanced projects, applicants should include supporting documentation (e.g. Engineering Opinion of Probable Costs, Bids, etc.).
How do I estimate costs for construction?
Projects for construction should be accompanied by an engineer’s cost estimate. The project should be advanced enough that an engineer can provide this information. Construction awards historically have not exceeded $400,000. DER may consider construction costs over $400,000 pending our total funding allocation and competitiveness of other applications. For instance, a project that is requesting $450,000 and has a high score due to high ecological and community benefits may be more likely to be considered for funding versus a project requesting $800,000 or having fewer benefits. Construction costs should include any required construction engineering services required during bidding and construction.
Do I need to obtain permits & the balance of funds before I can apply for construction funds?
Projects seeking construction funding should demonstrate that all permits and the balance of funds can be secured prior to the start of the grant contract period. The project should have been bid or ready to bid by the time a CRMA grant contract is executed. At the time of application, the CRMA grant funds requested in combination with town funds or other funding sources being sought should equal the balance of estimated construction costs.
Are projects eligible if they incorporate some (but not all) of the stream crossing standards?
Only projects that intend to meet the goals of the Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards will be considered for funding.
Site constraints may limit the ability to fully meet all six of the important design variables outlined in the Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards (for example, if the site only allows for the project design to have an openness ratio of 0.80, where the minimum recommended value in the Stream Crossing Standards is 0.82). In these cases, the projects are still eligible to apply. The Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) considers the feasibility for and extent to which the proposed project will improve ecological function at the site. For example, DER will weigh whether the new stream crossing will (a) allow natural stream processes to occur, (b) allow the channel to naturally adjust and change over time, and (c) improve passage for fish and wildlife. DER will consider the severity of the existing barrier to fish passage and the expected magnitude of improvements of the proposed project. Projects that are construction-ready but do not meet the Stream Crossings Standards must be redesigned to meet the Standards. Redesign work is eligible for funding under this grant program.
How can I demonstrate there is support for the project by the Environmental Justice Community?
Applicants should describe any direct climate resiliency, public safety, and socio-economic benefits for the Environmental Justice (EJ) community (e.g. does the road-stream crossing provide critical access for emergency response, businesses, or service centers which serve or are owned by members of the EJ population, or will the project reduce flooding vulnerabilities and related impacts). Demonstrated support may include EJ community engagement and inclusion in project planning or prioritization process; assistance provided by a community-based organization that works with or in an EJ Community to engage the community or support the development and planning of the project or related efforts; and/or municipal commitment to supplier diversity and minority-owned business.