Department of Conservation and Recreation
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Department of Conservation and Recreation
Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: December 15, 2025
Contact: Matt Sabas, Senior PR and Marketing Specialist, 804-786-2292, matthew.sabas@dcr.virginia.gov
$5 million in matching grants now available to Virginia dam owners
RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation today announced the opening of a new grant round for the Virginia Dam Safety, Flood Prevention and Protection Assistance Fund, which supports projects that help dam owners and Virginia localities enhance public safety and reduce the risk of dam failures and property damage from flooding.
A total of $5 million in matching grants is available for dam safety projects.
The fund is managed by the Virginia Resources Authority on behalf of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.
The fund provides financial assistance to dam owners for a wide range of eligible activities, including dam repair and upgrades, hazard mitigation efforts and engineering studies.
“Protecting Virginians from dam failures and flooding is one of our most important responsibilities,” said Acting DCR Director Andrew Smith. “These grants help communities strengthen critical infrastructure, address known risks and build a safer future.”
Dam owners in Virginia are responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of their dams. In the event of a failure, dam owners are responsible for any downstream damage.
“Many dams across Virginia were built decades ago and require modernization to meet current safety standards,” said DCR Chief Dam Safety Engineer Andrea Henry. “Through this grant program, we’re ensuring that owners and localities have access to the resources needed to safeguard lives and property.”
All grants are reimbursements and require between a 10-30% match. The maximum amount per grant will be determined based on amounts requested for eligible projects, application scores and available funds.
Requests must be submitted by 4 p.m., March 31, 2026.
Grants are offered to local government or privately owned dams across two project type categories:
Type 1 projects
Up to $1 million is available for initial engineering studies for dams.
Type 2 projects:
Up to $4 million is available for final plans and construction.
Go to www.dcr.virginia.gov/dam-safety-and-floodplains/dam-safety-funding to download the grant manual.
For more information, contact your regional dam safety engineer or email dam@dcr.virginia.gov.
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