Governor Youngkin announces major flood resilience funding to protect Virginia communities from future disasters
Richmond, Virginia – In a significant move to bolster flood protection across the state, Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced $67 million in grants and loans through the Virginia Community Flood Preparedness Fund (CFPF). This funding round aims to equip communities with the necessary tools and support to protect lives, properties, and infrastructure from increasingly frequent and damaging flood events.
Enhancing Preparedness in the Wake of Disaster
“The devastation experienced in Southwest Virginia during Hurricane Helene underscores the importance of preparedness and flood resilience,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “These awards will equip communities with resources and tools to mitigate the impact of future disasters.”
The CFPF, administered by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), is a vital resource for cities and counties working to reduce the threat of flooding. The latest funding round, announced in September and closed to applications by January 24, will fund a broad array of efforts ranging from shovel-ready flood mitigation projects to planning initiatives and local capacity building.
A Continued Focus on Resilience
“The Youngkin Administration has prioritized investments in resilience throughout its tenure,” said Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Stefanie Taillon. “This funding demonstrates a commitment to addressing challenges related to flooding throughout the Commonwealth.”
Chief Resilience Officer Greg Steele emphasized the urgency and necessity of the program: “Flooding is the most common natural disaster and continues to be a persistent threat across Virginia. The Community Flood Preparedness Fund empowers communities to take action to improve their flood resilience and protect lives and property.”
Expanding Local Solutions and Long-Term Strategies
The fifth round of the CFPF awards will support over $100 million in total projects and initiatives. These investments will help advance both immediate action and longer-term strategies to mitigate flood risk across Virginia’s diverse landscapes.
“We are pleased to award $67 million in grants and loans in this round of the Community Flood Preparedness Fund, supporting both shovel-ready solutions and foundational planning at the local level,” said DCR Director Matthew Wells. “The Community Flood Preparedness Fund continues to be a cornerstone of Virginia’s resilience framework, and DCR will work with localities to determine how the Fund can best benefit their communities.”
The CFPF program is managed in partnership with the Virginia Resources Authority, which assists with the financial administration of the loans and grants. DCR continues to oversee the state’s broader floodplain management programs to ensure consistency, accountability, and long-term effectiveness.
Communities and interested applicants can access information about the CFPF, including eligibility rules and application guidelines, through the official grant manual posted online at www.dcr.virginia.gov/cfpf. A full list of the latest awarded projects is also available on the same site.
