$5 million in matching grants now available to Virginia dam owners

RICHMOND, Va. — Owners of the commonwealth’s more than 2,500 regulated dams may now apply for matching grants from the Virginia Dam Safety, Flood Prevention and Protection Assistance Fund.

A total of $5 million is available for dam safety projects.

The fund is managed by the Virginia Resources Authority on behalf of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

“These grants will assist dam owners to take necessary steps to safeguard lives, property, and increase local communities’ flood resilience. Dam safety is key to protecting public safety and we encourage all eligible dam owners to apply,” said DCR Director Matthew Wells.

Dam owners in Virginia are responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of their dams. In the event of a failure, dam owners are responsible for any downstream damage.

All grants are reimbursements and require a 50% match. The maximum amount per grant will be determined based on amounts requested for eligible projects, application scores and available funds.

Requests must be submitted by 4 p.m., Feb. 28, 2025.

Grants are offered to local government or privately owned dams across three project type categories:

Type 1 projects

Unknown hazard dams: up to $1 million is available for initial engineering studies for dams with Unknown Hazard classifications.   

For the following two categories, a total of $4 million in matching funds are available:

Type 2 projects: plans, specifications, engineering studies and instrumentation

Type 3 projects: dam repairs, safety modifications or removal

Go to www.dcr.virginia.gov/dam-safety-and-floodplains/dam-safety-funding to download the grant manual.

For more information, contact your regional dam safety engineer or email dam@dcr.virginia.gov.  

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