Virginia’s cities, counties, and towns are responsible for maintaining thousands of miles of local roads, culverts, bridges, and drainage infrastructure. As communities continue to grow and severe weather events become more frequent, many municipalities are facing increasing costs associated with flooding, roadway deterioration, erosion, and aging stormwater systems.
To help offset these costs, Virginia offers a variety of funding opportunities through state agencies, transportation programs, and environmental initiatives. Many of these programs can be used to support culvert replacements, roadway drainage improvements, stormwater management projects, erosion control, and flood resilience efforts. Understanding which agencies administer these programs and how they align with municipal infrastructure needs can help local governments identify valuable funding opportunities.
Organizations and Departments Providing Funding
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)
The Virginia Department of Transportation administers several funding programs that support local transportation infrastructure. Drainage improvements are often eligible when they are part of roadway safety, maintenance, or resiliency projects.
Revenue Sharing Program
The Revenue Sharing Program helps local governments fund improvements to transportation infrastructure by matching eligible local funds. Drainage improvements, culvert replacements, roadway reconstruction, and related infrastructure projects may qualify when they improve the transportation network.
Funding amounts vary annually based on legislative appropriations, but projects commonly receive funding ranging from tens of thousands to several million dollars. Counties, cities, and towns are generally eligible applicants.
SMART SCALE
SMART SCALE evaluates transportation projects using objective measures such as safety, congestion, accessibility, environmental quality, and economic development. Larger drainage or culvert projects may qualify when they are incorporated into roadway improvement initiatives that address transportation performance.
Award amounts vary considerably depending on project size and statewide competitiveness.
Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program
Virginia’s Transportation Alternatives Program supports projects that improve transportation infrastructure while enhancing environmental quality and community connectivity. Drainage improvements associated with eligible transportation projects may be included within broader applications.
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) administers numerous grant programs that focus on water quality, watershed protection, and stormwater management.
Virginia Stormwater Local Assistance Fund (SLAF)
The Stormwater Local Assistance Fund provides matching grants for local governments implementing projects that improve stormwater management and reduce nutrient pollution entering Virginia’s waterways.
Municipal stormwater infrastructure improvements, drainage retrofits, and erosion control projects frequently qualify. Funding amounts vary by funding cycle, with awards commonly ranging from $100,000 to several million dollars.
Dam Safety, Flood Prevention and Protection Assistance Fund
This program supports flood prevention and resilience projects throughout the Commonwealth. Depending on project scope, drainage improvements and culvert upgrades that reduce flooding risks may qualify for assistance.
Virginia Department of Environmental Quality
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) administers several water quality and environmental improvement programs that can benefit municipal infrastructure projects.
Virginia Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund
The Clean Water Revolving Loan Fund provides low-interest financing for stormwater management and water quality improvement projects. Municipal drainage improvements and stormwater infrastructure upgrades may qualify when they improve environmental outcomes.
Funding amounts are based on project costs and financing needs rather than fixed grant limits.
Section 319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Grants
These DEQ grants support projects that reduce polluted runoff into Virginia waterways. Municipal drainage improvements that reduce erosion and sediment transport may qualify when they demonstrate measurable water quality benefits.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
Virginia communities affected by flooding or severe weather may pursue several FEMA funding opportunities.
Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC)
The BRIC program provides funding for infrastructure projects that reduce future disaster risks. Culvert replacements, drainage improvements, stormwater management systems, and flood mitigation projects are commonly eligible.
Funding awards often range from hundreds of thousands to several million dollars depending on project complexity and demonstrated community benefits.
Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)
The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program provides funding following federally declared disasters. Municipalities may use these funds for drainage improvements, culvert replacements, flood mitigation projects, and erosion control measures that reduce future disaster impacts.
Technical Assistance Resources
Virginia Transportation Research Council (VTRC)
The Virginia Transportation Research Council conducts research and provides technical guidance related to roadway infrastructure, drainage systems, transportation resilience, and asset management. Municipalities can utilize these resources when planning infrastructure improvements and developing funding applications.
Virginia Association of Counties (VACo)
The Virginia Association of Counties provides educational resources, legislative updates, and information about state and federal funding opportunities affecting local governments. County officials frequently use VACo resources to stay informed about infrastructure funding programs.
Virginia Municipal League (VML)
The Virginia Municipal League serves cities and towns throughout the Commonwealth by providing policy guidance, educational opportunities, and information regarding infrastructure grants and state funding initiatives.
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation Regional Staff
Regional DCR staff assist municipalities with watershed planning, stormwater management, erosion control, and grant program guidance. Their technical expertise can be valuable when developing projects that align with environmental funding priorities.
Final Thoughts
Virginia municipalities have access to numerous funding opportunities that support culvert replacements, roadway drainage improvements, stormwater management, and flood resilience initiatives. By understanding available grant programs and working closely with technical assistance providers, communities can improve infrastructure performance while making the most of limited local resources.
Successful projects begin with thoughtful planning, accurate documentation, and a clear understanding of funding priorities. Municipalities that proactively prepare projects and build relationships with state agencies are often best positioned to secure funding and improve infrastructure for years to come.