Environmental Funding - Aquatic Ecology
Funding for municipal and operational measures for aquatic ecology in Vienna: improvement of connectivity, renaturation, as well as minimization of diversions, backwater, and surges. Applications possible until 31.12.2027.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Funding of measures to improve the ecological condition of water bodies through hydromorphological interventions: fish passage facilities, renaturation of morphologically altered river sections, as well as minimization of the impacts of diversions, backwater, and surges.
Eligible expenses
- Fish passage facilities
- Renaturation of flowing waters
- Consulting, expert reports and planning
- Information and reminder boards
- Land acquisition and site clearance
Non-eligible expenses
- Costs for ongoing operations
- Travel expenses
- Own contributions
- Insurance premiums and administrative fees
- Costs for offsetting and compensation measures
Eligible to apply
- Public Institutions
- Companies
- Cooperatives
Funding requirements
- Application before project start
- Possession of the required water and nature conservation permits
- Proof of creditworthiness by a financial institution
Documents required for application
- Application form
- Technical report
- Cost estimate
- Financing plan
- Official approval notices
- Report from the credit institution
- List of individual measures (catalog)
Evaluation criteria
- Implementation of ecological priorities
- Contribution to the improvement of connectivity
- Cost-effectiveness of the measure
Description
As funding for municipal and operational projects in Vienna, the Environmental Promotion – Aquatic Ecology supports measures for the hydromorphological improvement of flowing waters. In the funding areas of environmental/nature conservation, climate protection, and energy efficiency, it aims at the removal of migration barriers through fish passage aids, the renaturation of morphologically altered watercourse sections, and the reduction of surge, backwater, and discharge effects. Investment costs are subsidized within the framework of an investment cost grant with a funding rate of 15% to 25%; small and medium-sized enterprises receive an additional 10 percentage points. Consulting, expert reports and planning, information and reminder boards, as well as land acquisition and site clearance are also eligible expenses, while operating costs, travel expenses, in-kind contributions, or compensation expenses are excluded. The project duration is up to 36 months; an investment commitment and proof of all documents must be submitted before construction begins.
Interested parties are municipalities and municipal authorities as well as operators of hydropower plants and aquaculture businesses that cause hydromorphological impacts. Prerequisites for a funding commitment are water and nature conservation permits, a creditworthiness certificate from a financial institution, and the timely submission of all required documents – including the application form, a technical report, detailed cost estimate, financing plan, official approval notices, and a catalog of individual measures. After review by the Federal-State Commission on Water Management Matters, applications are continuously possible until 31 December 2027. This funding makes a significant contribution to the ecological enhancement of water bodies and strengthens sustainable infrastructure projects in the region.