DENVER  — The U.S. Department of Interior’s announcement that it will  invest $92 million in the restoration and protection of rivers and other aquatic ecosystems is good news for fish and wildlife throughout the West. Funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will be awarded to projects in California, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, and Washington.

“The Administration’s investment in nature-based solutions is a win-win for wildlife and communities. It incorporates natural systems to restore rivers and wetlands, reduce flood risk, mitigate the impacts of wildfire, and increase overall watershed and climate resilience,” said Alicia Marrs, director of Western Water at the National Wildlife Federation. “Using natural infrastructure is often the most cost-effective method to sustain healthy fish and wildlife populations and we encourage the administration to continue making these important investments.”