Gov. M. Jodi Rell has applied for a $5.1 million federal stimulus grant for the construction of a fish passage on the Rainbow Dam on the Farmington River.

The project would restore effective fish passage to the dam and create 52 miles of spawning and rearing for diadromous fish or fish that move between salt and fresh waters to reproduce.

As a result of the restoration of the upstream habitat, fish populations would be expected to increase dramatically, including an annual increase of 20,000 American shad, 300,000 blueback herring, 117,000 alewives and 10,000 sea lamprey. The project would also result in an expansion of freshwater mussel populations and the creation of high quality recreational fisheries.

If approved, construction would begin in May of 2010. The state has applied for stimulus funding to cover the full cost.