Program Funding - FY 2006 Grant Awards - Press Release
DEQ ANNOUNCES WATER SUPPLY GRANTS FOR LOCALITIES
RICHMOND, VA. - The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality has awarded grants totaling nearly $300,000 to assist 10 local and regional government authorities in the development of water supply plans.
“These grants will jump-start the Commonwealth’s effort to ensure sufficient water supplies,” DEQ Director David K. Paylor said. “Planning for future availability and uses of water will enable Virginians to maintain a high quality of life and allow for economic growth while protecting our natural resources.”
Regional and local water supply plans will lead to the development of the first statewide water supply plan. During the development of the plan, localities will have the lead role in identifying their future demands, and DEQ will provide technical support and oversight. The statewide plan will describe local and regional water needs and potential alternatives for at least 30 years into the future.
The statewide plan will also allow improved preparation for future drought, increased opportunities for public input, and the potential to reduce conflicts in future permit processes.
Grant amounts, which will be supplemented by local funds, and the government authorities that received them are:
- City of Bristol through Bristol Virginia Utilities, $10,000
- Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission, $9,000
- Charlotte County, $50,000
- Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, $25,000
- New River Valley Planning District Commission, $50,000
- Northern Shenandoah Planning District Commission, $9,000
- Orange County, $50,000
- Region 2000 Local Government Council (Lynchburg, Bedford and the surrounding counties and towns), $42,500
- Southside Planning District Commission (Brunswick County, Mecklenburg County and associated towns), $37,918
- Stafford County, $15,000
Local governments must submit their plans to the State Water Control Board within three to six years according to a schedule based on population. Regional groups have six years to submit a plan. The first plans will be due in 2008 and the last ones in 2011.
If you have any questions please call Scott Kudlas (scott.kudlas@deq.virginia.gov) at (804) 698-4456.