The Virginia General Assembly appropriated no new funds for non-agricultural projects in fiscal years 2008 or 2009. DCR consequently has no plans for a request for proposals (RFP). If the situation changes or new funds become available, this page will be updated with the information on how to apply for such funds.
Introduction
The purpose of the Virginia Water Quality Improvement Act of 1997 (WQIA) is to restore and improve the quality of state waters and to protect them from impairment and destruction for the benefit of current and future citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia (Section 10.1-2118 of the Code of Virginia). Because this is a shared responsibility among state and local governments and individuals, the Water Quality Improvement Fund (WQIF) was created. The purpose of the fund is to provide water quality improvement grants to local governments, soil and water conservation districts and individuals for point and nonpoint source pollution prevention, reduction and control programs (Section 10.1-2128.B. of the Code of Virginia).
Nonpoint source pollution is a significant cause of degradation of state waters, including the Chesapeake Bay, and is addressed in Water Quality Improvement Fund Guidelines for FY 1999-2000. There are two distinct program regions. The Chesapeake Bay Watershed is comprised of the Shenandoah-Potomac river basins and the lower bay tributaries, which include the James, York and Rappahannock rivers as well as the eastern and western coastal basins. All other river basins in the state comprise the Southern Rivers Watershed.
A primary objective of WQIF is to fund grants that will reduce the flow of excess nitrogen and phosphorus into the Chesapeake Bay through the implementation of the tributary strategies. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is responsible for administering point source grants, and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) administers nonpoint source grants. WQIF funds are provided, in accordance with the guidelines, to help stimulate nonpoint source pollution reduction through the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-share Program and water quality improvement projects within the regions listed above.
Grant Applications
DCR is responsible for soliciting grant applications and project proposals from interested parties through the distribution of a request for proposals (PDF) package. A team of DCR and other agency or local government staff will provide technical expertise in the review, scoring, prioritization and selection of grant applications and proposals. Final decisions for project selection are at the discretion of DCR’s director.
DCR Contacts
Those with questions about WQIF grants should contact the grant manager: email swcgrants@dcr.virginia.gov, phone (804) 225-3785. Those with specific questions about developing nonpoint source water quality improvement grant proposals should contact the office manager in the appropriate DCR regional office.
