October

The Director:

• allocates the available project funding among Fish Habitat Partnerships consistent with the goals and strategies of the National Fish Habitat Board
• issues guidance for project selection

November

Each Fish Habitat Partnership:

• prioritizes projects consistent with priorities identified in its strategic plan
• submits its project list to the Assistant Regional Director-Fisheries in the designated lead Region for the Fish Habitat Partnership

December

Assistant Regional Directors-Fisheries:

• rank projects with consideration of Fish Habitat Partnership priorities and the criteria listed in section 1.10 below
• submit projects through the Regional Directors to the Director

January

A national-level project review group comprised of Service staff:

• reviews Regional project lists
• makes recommendations to the Director and to the Board 

February-March

The Director:

• selects final projects for funding that are consistent with the goals and strategies of the National Fish Habitat Board
• notifies Regional Directors and the National Fish Habitat Board of project selection

April

The Director:

• allocates funds to Regional Directors to implement approved projects