Retrofitting Providers
Electric utilities interested in receiving mitigation funds to retrofit high-risk poles for eagles should register with the Eagle ILF Program to become eligible as Retrofitting Providers. Retrofits conducted through this program serve to offset new incidental take occurring elsewhere in the eagle population and assist the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) in meeting their obligations to preserve eagles under Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.
Request for Grant Proposals
The Eagle ILF Program periodically offers Requests for Proposals for competitive-grant cycles. Grant funding will be used to mitigate distribution power poles at high risk for eagle electrocution to meet industry “avian-friendly” criteria. Grant funding is designed to reimburse the full cost of mitigation materials, labor (staff or contract), mobilization, and equipment use. There is no requirement for matching funds or in-kind contributions to receive the grant funding. Please contact program staff to be included in our mailing list for future RFP announcements.
How the Program Works for Utilities
Electric utilities may be eligible to work with the Eagle ILF Program to identify and retrofit poles at high-risk of electrocuting eagles. The Eagle ILF Program staff will work with each utility to determine preferred mitigation techniques and products that meet the utility’s engineering standards. The Eagle ILF Program will reimburse utilities for time and materials to fix poles as outlined in a mutually agreed upon retrofitting plan