Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Restoration Program (GLFER)

To date, the GLFER program has restored fish and wildlife habitat, removed dams and other barriers to fish migration, prevented and controlled non-native species, and contributed to the removal of beneficial use impairments in Areas of Concern by implementing a number of projects across the Great Lakes Basin.

Twenty-three projects have been completed under the GLFER authority to date including:

Who

Non-federal sponsors must submit an application as a statement of their intent to participate in supporting the project and acknowledging its financial responsibilities in the study and project.

Non-Federal sponsors may include state, tribal, or local entities, or non-government organizations (NGO).

For example, state departments such as the Department of Natural Resources, tribal groups such as the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, or may be local municipalities such as the city of Chicago, Illinois or other local entities such as forest preserve districts, park districts, school districts, conservation groups, or other non-government organizations including the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.

What

Eligible projects may be those that improve and protect wetlands, tributaries & associated riparian zones, reefs, shoreline habitat, connecting waterways to the Great Lakes, water quality and quantity, and other physical and biological components that promote healthy and productive fish communities in the Great Lakes.

Eligible projects can include compatible recreational features like boardwalks, fishing piers, and more in the design and construction, however costs of such features cannot exceed 10% of the total federal costs.

SLIDESHOW | 2 images | Harpersfield Dam GLFER Project The barrier construction project for the Harpersfield Dam in Ohio was proposed to prevent sea lamprey passage and reproduction from approximately 1,266 miles upstream of the dam on the Grand River and its tributaries.

Harpersfield Dam GLFER Project 1 of 2

The barrier construction project for the Harpersfield Dam in Ohio was proposed to prevent sea lamprey passage and reproduction from approximately 1,266 miles upstream of the dam on the Grand River and its tributaries.

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Designing a new barrier 2 of 2

The project also anticipated lowering the overall sea lamprey population in Lake Erie, which in turn improved the sustainability of valuable fisheries resources. This project was awarded a contract and completed in 2018.

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Where

Projects must be within the Great Lakes basin and must be projects that support the restoration of the Great Lakes fishery, ecosystem, or to restore beneficial uses of the Great Lakes.

Costs

The total project cost must be less than $15 million but may not exceed $10 million of federal dollars.

Suitability Criteria & Confirming Eligibility

If the applicant is an eligible non-federal sponsor and meets these three suitability criteria:  

1. Addresses one or more of the Program Objectives
2. Involves planning, design, and construction activities where USACE’s expertise would significantly aid in project completion
3. Is consistent with USACE policy

Then the district will confirm the eligibility of the proposed project and forward the collected project information to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission or their designee.

In order to apply for funding through the Great Lakes Fishery and Ecosystem Restoration Program, an applicant needs to have:

1. An initial idea (or more) for a structural project to support the restoration of the Great Lakes fishery, ecosystem, or to restore beneficial uses of the Great Lakes,
2. A project idea that meets USACE suitability criteria for eligible projects, including total project costs of <$15 million. 
3. A non-federal sponsor, which agrees to cost-share the project at a rate of 65% (federal):35% (non-federal).  A non-federal sponsor can be a public or tribal entity, a non-governmental organization, or certain private entities. 
4. A non-federal sponsor that owns (or is able to acquire) the land for project implementation and be willing to move land ownership to Corps of Engineers during project implementation.  Land ownership will revert back to non-federal sponsor(s) or individuals after project completion. 
5. And lastly, a non-federal sponsor that is willing to commit to operation and maintenance of the project post-completion.

What is Cost Sharing?

Cost-sharing means that Corps of Engineers and the non-federal sponsor will partner to share the costs of project feasibility, design, and implementation.  The Corps of Engineers will pay for 65% of the total project costs, while the non-federal sponsor will pay for 35% of the total project costs.  Cost-sharing can include both contributions of cash to complete the project, and in-kind contributions, however, contribution of cash or in-kind cannot be federally provided funds.  For GLFER projects, two cost-share agreements are required:

1. Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement in which details study task responsibilities, descriptions, and milestones, as well as study timelines, study costs, and cost-sharing arrangements
2. Project Partnership Agreement in which the Corps of Engineers and the non-federal sponsor agree to the project description, responsibilities of the parties, milestones, and cost-sharing when implementing the project (design and construction)

Non-federal cost shares can include in-kind contributions up to 100% of the non-federal sponsor shares.  Several items are eligible for in-kind contributions.  Examples of in-kind contributions for the Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement include:

1. Preparation of portions of the feasibility study
2. Environmental Assessments and Compliance document preparation
3. Technical data collection (e.g. surveys, mapping, geotechnical)
4. Conceptual design, hydraulic modeling costs

Examples of in-kind contributions for the Project Partnership Agreement include:

1. Value of Real Estate (Land, Easements, Right of Way, Relocation, and Disposal)
2. Engineering/design documentation
3. Technical data (environmental, economic, etc.)
4. Historical property survey and evaluation
5. Construction activities

All in-kind contributions must be identified prior to signing Feasibility Cost Sharing Agreement or the Project Partnership Agreements.  USACE staff will work with the non-federal sponsor to identify, define, and coordinate in-kind contributions prior to each phase of the project and capture those in the respective agreements.

Email formal request letters and other inquiries to glfer@usace.army.mil.