Grants now available to Virginia dam owners

RICHMOND, Va. — Owners of the commonwealth’s more than 2,600 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.

“Dam safety is critical to public safety,” DCR Director Matt Wells said. “We encourage all eligible dam owners to apply for these grants, which will help recipients take necessary steps to protect lives and property, while making communities more resilient to flooding.”

All grants are reimbursements and require a 50-percent 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, 2023.

Grants are offered in three categories:

Category 1: Engineering studies

Up to $1 million is available for engineering studies where the dam owner has received a letter of engagement from DCR stating the dam may be of regulatory size, and additional steps are necessary to bring the dam into compliance with regulations.

At least $4 million is available in categories 2 and 3:

Category 2: Plans, specifications and studies 

Category 2 funding is only available to privately owned, High Hazard dams with approved, active Conditional Operation and Maintenance Certificates on file with DCR at the time of application.

Category 3: Repair, safety modifications or removal

Category 3 funding is only available to privately owned, High Hazard dams with approved, active Conditional Operation and Maintenance Certificates on file with DCR at the time of application. Other Category 3 requirements include:

• The proposed construction project must bring the dam into full compliance with Dam Safety Regulations.
• A Regular Operation and Maintenance Certificate application must accompany a Category 3 reimbursement request. 
• Deferred maintenance is not eligible for funding. 
• Category 3 requests require one application per dam, with maximum funding not to exceed $500,000.

Find more information and the 2023 grant manual here, or by calling 804-371-6095.

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Wayne Creed

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