33 Virginia Localities are Awarded $53.9 Million to Build Flood Resilience, but Future Funding is at Risk

(RICHMOND, VIRGINIA – March 21, 2024) - Yesterday, Virginia’s Department of Conservation and Recreation announced it will award $53.9 million to 33 localities and regional governments through the Community Flood Preparedness Fund (CFPF). These awards will build local governments’ capacity to plan and implement natural infrastructure and other flood mitigation solutions in communities ranging from Pennington Gap to Hampton.  

Notably, Chesapeake will receive $7 million to acquire properties at risk, relocate public utilities and elevate a critical transportation pathway to reduce local flood risk. Also, the City of Roanoke will receive $3.2 million for stream and floodplain restoration and a downtown drainage improvement project.  

Despite high levels of demand, the future of the CFPF is unclear after Governor Youngkin illegally removed Virginia from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative in 2023. The initiative is the CFPF’s sole source of dedicated revenue, generating more than $379 million and supporting 150 flood resilience plans, studies and projects since 2021.  

“Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) appreciates the Commonwealth’s continued investments in flood resilience for at-risk communities through the Community Flood Preparedness Fund (CFPF), which enables critical resilience planning and project development that many communities would not be able to implement otherwise. Virginia’s coastal and inland communities desperately need sustained, long-term funding to address the flood risks that are already impacting our lives and livelihoods. 

EDF supports the General Assembly’s budget language that reaffirms Virginia’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative as required by law, as well as the proposed $100 million appropriation to the CFPF to ensure resources will support a resilient future for the Commonwealth.” 

-Emily Steinhilber, Director, Climate Resilient Coasts and Watersheds, Virginia, Environmental Defense Fund  

Background:  

• The CFPF prioritizes funding for natural infrastructure and more than 60% of funds have been awarded to low-income geographic areas. 
• In addition to natural infrastructure projects in Roanoke and Chesapeake, Virginia Beach will receive $5 million for a marsh terrace and restoration project in Back Bay and the Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission will receive $1.7 million for a living shoreline along Aberdeen Creek. 
• Several localities in southwest Virginia are receiving CFPF awards for the first time, including Abingdon, Galax and Pennington Gap.