Chesapeake Bay Implementation Grants
These grants provide funds to revise land development ordinances that improve water quality. They also help fund low-to-moderate septic tank pump-out. Localities subject to the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, Planning District Commissions and nonprofit organizations are eligible.
The 2010 Request for Proposals has closed, and grant awards have been made. DCR funded three low-to-moderate income septic pump-out programs and two water quality ordinance projects.
If you have questions or would like more information on the grants, contact Daniel Moore at (804) 786-1518, daniel.moore@dcr.virginia.gov.
DCR awarded the Bay Implementation Grants in February, 2009. Five Septic Pump-out Programs were awarded and one Water Quality Ordinance Review Program was awarded.
Learn more about the grants that were awarded.
Please visit the sites listed below to explore alternative funding.
Other Funding Sources
Federal and National
- EPA (Region 3) Grants
- EPA (Grants and Debarment)
- National Fish & Wildlife Foundation Grants
- Unitied States Department of Agriculture: Sustainable Agriculture Network
- Wetland Program Development Grants
- Local Government Environmental Assistance Network
- Chesapeake Bay Trust, et al. - Living Shorelines Grant Program
State or Regional
- Soil and Water Conservation Grant Opportunities (Water Quality Improvement Funds)
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) began issuing the Chesapeake Bay preservation specialty plates in December 1992. For each plate sold or renewed at a cost of $25, the DMV gets $10 and the Chesapeake Restoration Fund receives $15. Thanks to the generosity of Virginia's citizens, revenues from the purchase of the popular Chesapeake Bay commemorative license plate have continued to grow, resulting in the awarding of $3 million in grants for Chesapeake Bay projects. The Fund is grateful for the generosity of the concerned citizens who have supported these initiatives.
Charles City County Pump-out Program - Charles City County has been awarded $5,000 to assist low-to-moderate income homeowners with the cost of pumping their septic tanks. The County will be focusing on assisting homeowners within the Gunn’s Run, Morris Creek and Collins Run watershed as these waterways have been deemed impaired. Additionally, the County will be producing an educational brochure and developing two newspaper articles to educate residents about the benefits of pumping their septic systems.
Friends of the Rappahannock Water Quality Ordinance Reviews - The non-profit organization, Friends of the Rappahannock (FOR), has been awarded a $6,000 grant to complete Water Quality Ordinance Reviews for Caroline and Lancaster Counties in the Rappahannock River watershed. FOR will work with the counties as well as the George Washington Regional Commission to review land use ordinances and develop recommended ordinance language that will reduce impervious coverage, minimize land disturbance as well as protect indigenous vegetation. The deliverables and lessons learned will be shared with all Tidewater localities.
Middle Peninsula PDC Septic Pump-out Program - Having successfully administered a low-to-moderate income septic pump-out program for the last several years, the Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission has been awarded $12,000 to continue their program for another year. This phase of the program aims to provide 50 to 60 low-to-moderate income households with pump-out assistance.
New Kent County Septic Pump-out Program - New Kent County has successfully established a septic pump-out program over the last two years. With their $5,000 award, the County hopes to assist 25 low-to-moderate income homeowners pump their septic tanks and achieve continued compliance with the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act.
Northern Neck PDC Septic Pump-out Program - The Northern Neck Planning District Commission has created a successful low-to-moderate income septic pump-out program which has helped hundreds of Northern Neck residents in the past several years. With the $12,000 grant, it is the hope of the Commission to pump approximately 59 systems.
Surry County Septic Pump-out Prgram - In addition to providing septic pump-out assistance to 25 low-to-moderate income households within their jurisdiction, Surry County also hopes to produce marketing brochures to solicit income eligible participants and create a training program that will share with beneficiaries the best practices for maintaining their septic system. The grant funds will go directly towards septic pump-out assistance allowing County funds to be directed towards educational materials for the public.