The State of Georgia is rich in freshwater biodiversity and many of these species are listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) works with its federal and state agency partners to ensure compliance with the ESA during bridge construction and other projects that could affect these protected aquatic species. In addition to carefully managing erosion and sedimentation, GDOT generally prohibits its contractors from working in rivers and streams during the spawning season of protected animals, which can greatly extend construction time and costs. However, there had been no comprehensive review of the extent to which these timing restrictions are beneficial and necessary, or whether other actions (such as improving stormwater management) would provide greater benefits. GDOT contracted with the University of Georgia's River Basin Center (RBC) and Institute for Resilient Infrastructure Systems (IRIS) to conduct a holistic review of the requirements of all 115 imperiled and vulnerable aquatic species in the state to determine the most appropriate management practices for each. The RBC/IRIS team includes biologists, engineers, landscape architects, and environmental lawyers, who worked closely with GDOT and partnering agencies, including U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Georgia Department of Natural Resources. The final report included recommendations for a programmatic agreement covering GDOT activities, which could substantially streamline the ESA consulting process and ensure consistent, effective protection of aquatic species. The goal is a win-win in which protection for aquatic species is enhanced while construction time and costs are reduced.