Notice of Intent to Award

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THERE IS NO FULL ANNOUNCEMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THIS NOTICE, as this is a Notice of Intent to Award a Grant Agreement between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) for the purpose of investigating water quality threats in federally listed endangered species waters in Virginia. The research will assess the effects of various contaminants on the health and reproduction of mussels. The results of this research will guide management actions related to conservation of freshwater mussels and their habitats in these key rivers, and will have wider application to other river systems throughout the eastern United States. A determination has been made that Virginia Tech is uniquely qualified to perform this project, in accordance with 505 DM 2. The research plan specifically identifies personnel at Virginia Tech to implement the investigation, as they are uniquely qualified to accomplish research tasks involving mussel histology, contaminants assessment and have decades of experience and knowledge of the mussel fauna assemblages in Virginia rivers. Virginia Tech will also assist in completing a large workload of consultation and technical assistance work to ensure compliance with applicable U.S Fish and Wildlife Service authorities including the Endangered Species Act, Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act, and Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

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