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$10M in Flood Mitigation - Swift Current Available in Virginia

Opportunity to Mitigate Knocks, Will You Answer?

Virginia local governments with an approved and adopted hazard mitigation plan have a rare opportunity to apply for grant funds to elevate, acquire and demolish, or floodproof repetitive and severe repetitive loss properties. While flood insurance claims do not represent a comprehensive picture of flooding issues at the local level, they do indicate areas where it happens frequently and may be worthy of action. 

Why Mitigate? 

Virginia has an extensive history of success stories.  Studies show that projects in Virginia have a return on investment exceeding expected avoided flood losses by 87%.  Want to learn more?  Virginia Hazard Mitigation Assistance Grants Success Stories | VDEM

Funding

The Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) program is a nationally competitive program.  The $10M set-aside is specific for Virginia local governments as a result of Hurricane Helene.  If the funding is not applied for and used, the funding returns to the federal government and Virginia loses out on that opportunity. 

Applications are due to VDEM on May 13, so we want to hear from you now by submitting a pre-application – https://vdem.emgrants.com so we can connect with you.   This is a statewide opportunity, but priority and resources will be given to localities in Southwest Virginia that were declared in Helene.

Staff and Resources

For Application

• VDEM can provide assistance in the general scope of work, budget, and timeline. Local government will need to identify which properties they are including in the application.  You should expect requests for information for additional information once the application is submitted.  VDEM can continue to support.

For Implementation 

• If awarded grant funds, 5% of the award can be used for management costs to oversee the grant project. Implementation of these projects usually takes a few years, so if you do not have the resources in place at this moment – there is a planning window to prepare.

Not only local governments can apply, but Planning District Commissions – if appropriate, can apply on behalf of the local government. If you have any questions, please email katie.vugdalic@vdem.virginia.gov