Description
The Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) within the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game is announcing a FY 2027 Funding Opportunity for municipalities to receive preliminary design studies for “Transitional Crossings” (culverts, arches, etc.) located within the state’s projected Transition Zone. The effort is intended to provide early‑stage design and technical assistance to support future climate‑adaptation and ecological restoration projects; no construction funding is included. Selections will result in a one‑year contract (potentially renewable for a second year) with a qualified contractor to produce a brief report and preliminary design.
• Eligible applicants are Massachusetts municipalities (towns, cities, districts, commissions) that own the crossing site; joint‑ownership requires signed access agreements.
• Sites must be within the “Transition Zone” (coastal areas projected to be impacted by sea‑level rise by 2100) and have demonstrable ecological and community benefits.
• The formal Request for Response is expected in November 2026; applications will be accepted for at least two weeks after posting, with a Q&A period preceding the deadline.
• The award is a one‑year design‑study contract (renewable once) with no guarantee of construction funding; payment will be made to the selected contractor, not the municipality.