Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory Permafrost Tunnel Research Facility Wetland Restoration using Engineering with Nature Solutions | W911KB 25 2 0012

Opportunity Information: Apply for W911KB 25 2 0012

The Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) Permafrost Tunnel Research Facility (PTRF) Wetland Restoration opportunity is a US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Alaska District cooperative agreement focused on fixing drainage and restoring wetlands near Fort Wainwright, Alaska, using Engineering with Nature (EWN) approaches. The core idea is to use nature-based or nature-aligned engineering methods to reestablish natural hydrology above the Permafrost Tunnel Research Facility, which in turn helps protect the tunnel and surrounding permafrost while improving wetland function. The project is framed around a real and growing problem in Arctic and sub-Arctic landscapes: permafrost degradation is changing how water moves and is stored in soils, which then affects terrain stability, sediment movement, microbial communities, vegetation patterns, and overall water quality.

Practically, the work is meant to restore more natural drainage patterns and improve hydrological connectivity in the area above the PTRF. By addressing altered surface and near-surface water flow, the project aims to reduce ongoing damage and help rehabilitate soils and wetland areas, including protecting public lands and the ecological services wetlands provide. Expected environmental benefits called out in the announcement include better water quality, improved wetland protection and function, protection of permafrost soils, and prevention of further resource damage. The outcome is intended to be both ecological and protective: healthier wetlands and waterways on one hand, and reduced risk to the permafrost tunnel infrastructure on the other.

A major driver for the work is compliance and stewardship under the installation Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan (INRMP). The project supports the Department of Defense goal of sustaining healthy and resilient environments that can support military training while also conserving biological diversity and maintaining ecological health. In other words, it is designed to keep training lands usable and resilient while meeting environmental responsibilities. The opportunity specifically cites the Sikes Act (16 U.S.C. 670), which requires INRMPs and supports natural resource protection, enhancement, and restoration on military lands when needed to support fish, wildlife, or plant resources. The announcement also ties the work to the 2020 U.S. Army Garrison Alaska INRMP and broader Army military resilience goals, emphasizing long-term stewardship and sustainable land and water management.

From a funding and administrative standpoint, this is a discretionary grant offered as a cooperative agreement under CFDA 12.005. The opportunity number is W911KB 25 2 0012. The agency is the USACE Alaska District. The posting indicates one expected award, with an award ceiling of $66,000. The original application closing date is 2025-09-03, and the opportunity was created on 2025-08-04.

Eligibility is relatively broad but still defined by statute. Applications are open to entities that meet the announcement criteria, with awards limited to states, local governments, federally recognized tribal governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals, under 16 U.S.C. 670c-1(a). The full announcement and any additional technical requirements, deliverables, or proposal instructions are referenced as being available in the "Related Documents" section of the posting.

• The Alaska District in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory Permafrost Tunnel Research Facility Wetland Restoration using Engineering with Nature Solutions" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 12.005.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2025-08-04.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-09-03. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $66,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 1 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Individuals, Others.

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