Virginia Dam Safety, Flood Prevention and Protection Assistance Fund state grants help dam owners and Virginia localities enhance public safety and reduce the risk of dam failures and property damage from flooding. The fund was established to provide grants to public and private dam owners whose dams are under state regulation and to help local governments improve methods for flood prevention and protection. Not all categories of funding are available each year. All grants are reimbursements and require a 50% match. The maximum amount per grant is determined based on amounts requested from eligible projects, application scores and available funds. The Virginia Resources Authority, on behalf of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, manages the fund. Grants are awarded through a competitive application process, and the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board provides final approval of awards.
The 2024 Dam Safety, Flood Prevention and Protection Assistance Fund (DSFPPAF) grant application period is open as of Dec. 15, 2023. Applications are due March 15, 2024.
A total funding pool of more than $10 million is available across all eligible projects. Over $7 million of the grant fund is for privately owned High Hazard Dams.
All eligible activities are broken into three categories:
The grant manual outlines the grant program's guidelines — including eligibility criteria, the application process and details on eligible project types.
DCR strongly encourages dam owners and their engineers to review the grant manual, evaluate eligibility and begin developing proposals for submittal.
Learn about the 2024 Virginia DSFPPAF Grant Program as well as the FEMA High Hazard Potential Dam Grant (HHPD) program.
January 2024 Training Recording: https://youtu.be/_M_5FLK4D6U