The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation has announced the continuance of funding opportunities to increase flood protection across the commonwealth through the Resilient Virginia Revolving Loan Fund, Category 1A.

The Resilient Virginia Revolving Loan Fund (RVRF) was established in 2022 by the General Assembly of Virginia: §§ 62.1-199 and 62.1-203 of the Code of Virginia were amended and reenacted and Chapter 6 of Title 10.1 10.1-603.28 through 10.1-603.40.

For a locality to be eligible for this round, it must be located within a community impacted by Tropical Storm Helene or heavy rains in February 2025. A list of these local governments can be found at the below links:

• Virginia Severe Winter Storms and Flooding (DR-4863-VA)
• Virginia Tropical Storm Helene (DR-4831-VA)
• Virginia Post-tropical Cyclone Helene (EM-3621-VA)

As a part of Category 1A, funds are available to advance projects that will improve flood resilience in Category 1A-Bridges, Culverts and Slope Stabilization. The agency will provide up to $10 million in total aggregated funding to planning district commissions for resilient rebuilding and repair of access bridges, culverts, retaining walls and other water control structures.

Interested property owners should initially apply through the Department of Housing and Community Development’s Virginia Disaster Assistance Fund (VDAF). Projects that meet VDAF requirements, but exceed allowable VDAF award limits, will be automatically considered for funding through RVRF Category 1A. In order to receive an RVRF grant, projects must meet resilient design standards as defined in the RVRF manual.

The agency will accept project applications from eligible planning district commissions on a rolling basis, beginning on Dec. 1, 2025.

All projects must be submitted through the local planning district commission (https://www.vapdc.org/) and in coordination with DCR.

Detailed information including the Resilient Virginia Revolving Loan Fund grant manual, a link to the grants management portal, training materials and contact information are available at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/dam-safety-and-floodplains/rvrf.

Please note only Category 1A is open for applications at this time. Funding opportunities for Categories 2 and 3 will be announced at a later date.