Small and Abandoned Dam Removal Grant Program

(ss. 31.385(2)(ag) and (ar), Wis. Stats.; ch. NR 336, Wis. Adm. Code)

Counties, cities, villages, towns, tribes, public inland lake protection and rehabilitation districts, and private dam owners can apply for grant funds to remove small or abandoned dams. Small dams are those with a hydraulic height of less than 15 feet and an impoundment of 100 surface acres or less at normal pool. Abandoned dams are those declared abandoned using the process under s. 30121(4), Wis. Stats.

The DNR will fund 50% of eligible project costs, with a maximum grant award of $50,000. Eligible project costs include labor, materials, and equipment directly related to planning the actual removal, the dam removal itself, and the restoration of the impoundment.

The Legislature has authorized the DNR to use a portion of funds from the Dam Maintenance, Repair, Modification, and Removal Grant program for small and abandoned dam removal. Approximately $250,000 is available as of November 1, 2003. No additional state funding is available unless provided by the Legislature.

Application forms and instructions are available below or upon request anytime after November 1, 2003. Applications will be accepted continually. Project priority is determined based on the postmark date, provided that the application is complete and meets basic eligibility criteria. Consult the ch. NR 336, Wis. Adm. Code, for eligibility criteria (see link below).

Application Information:

The forms and publications listed below are now available for downloading when you click on the form or publication. They are in a pdf format which is a print only format.

Additional Information:

• Informational Brochure
• Form 3500-106 - Grant Application
• Application Instructions
• Ch. NR 336 (exit DNR)
• Form 8700-002 - Grant Payment Worksheet (PDF Fillable Form 53KB)
• Form 8700-001 - Grant Payment Request
• Procurement Guide for Local Governments Receiving DNR Grants

Contacts:

River Program Coordinator, FH/3
Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707-7921
Phone: (608) 266-9273

Eileen Trainor, Grant Manager
Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707-7921
Phone: (608) 267-0848
E-mail: Eileen.Trainor@wisconsin.gov