Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 02, 2011
Contact:
Grants awarded for dam and floodplain projects
RICHMOND – Dam owners ranging from cities, towns, water and service authorities, homeowner and recreation associations, and individuals, have been awarded 73 grants from the Virginia Dam Safety, Flood Prevention and Protection Assistance Fund. The grants total $855,000 and were approved by the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board. The fund is managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
Grant amounts ranged from less than $4,000 to more than $24,000. Grants to dam owners will be used to fund dam break inundation zone analysis, mapping and digitization; emergency action plans; incremental damage analysis and engineering costs related to dam repairs.
Local governments were also awarded grants for flood prevention and protection. Funds can be used for local flood warning and response systems such as reverse 911 and the web-based Integrated Flood Observing Warning System or IFLOWS. Funds can also be used to improve local floodplain programs including upgrades allowing localities to participate in the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Community Rating System. Residents in CRS localities receive discounts on flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program. Local governments can also use grant funds to improve floodplain information and education programs.
For a complete listing of grantees and grant amounts go to www.dcr.virginia.gov and click on “Dam Safety and Floodplain Management.”
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