Nearly $5 million in grants awarded for dam safety and flood protection in Virginia

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: August 05, 2026
Contact: Matt Sabas, Senior PR and Marketing Specialist, 804-786-2292, [email protected]

Nearly $5 million in grants awarded for dam safety and flood protection in Virginia

RICHMOND, Va. - The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation today announced the awardees of the Dam Safety, Flood Prevention and Protection Assistance Fund, a grant program to support critical dam rehabilitation, flood prevention and public safety projects throughout the state.

This year, DCR has awarded a total of $4.9 million in grants to 17 recipients across the Commonwealth. These grants support a range of projects, including dam rehabilitation, engineering studies and emergency action plans.

"These investments demonstrate Virginia's commitment to strengthening community resilience and safeguarding residents from the impacts of flooding due to aging infrastructure," said DCR Director Nikki Rovner. "By supporting these projects, we are helping partners improve public safety and ensure that water management infrastructure continues to serve communities effectively for years to come."

The Dam Safety, Flood Prevention and Protection Assistance Fund provides financial assistance for the repair, rehabilitation and upgrade of dams and flood-control structures. Funded projects reduce downstream flood hazards, enhance emergency preparedness and support the continued operation of infrastructure that protects Virginia's communities.

"Dam safety and flood prevention require proactive investment and strong partnerships," said Andrea Henry, DCR Chief Engineer. "These awards will help communities advance projects that improve the condition and performance of dams, address identified safety concerns and strengthen protection against flood-related threats. The benefits of these improvements extend well beyond the dam itself to the people, businesses and infrastructure located downstream."

The Dam Safety, Flood Prevention and Protection Assistance Fund is managed by the Virginia Resource Authority on behalf of DCR. Grants are awarded through a competitive application process and approved by the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board. The program provides financial support to enhance public safety and aligns with Virginia's broader efforts to build more resilient and adaptive communities in the face of extreme weather events.

The Department received applications far in excess of the funds available: 111 applications totaling over $19 million in requested funding.

A complete list of awardees is available at: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/dam-safety-and-floodplains/dam-safety-funding.

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The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation's Dam Safety Division works to protect life and property by reducing the risk of dam failures across the commonwealth. The Division administers Virginia's Dam Safety Program, which regulates more than 2,400 impounding structures and assists dam owners in meeting safety requirements through inspections, permitting, grants, technical guidance and training.

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