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Water Quality Improvement Fund
Administering Agency
The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is responsible for administering point source grants, and the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) administers nonpoint source grants.
Purpose
To provide water quality improvement grants to local governments, soil and water conservation districts and individuals for point and nonpoint source pollution prevention, reduction and control programs.
Who Can Participate
Local governments, soil and water conservation districts and individuals who pursue water quality improvements through point and nonpoint source pollution prevention, reduction and control programs (including riparian open-space and conservation easements).
How it Works
A primary objective of WQIF is to fund grants that will reduce the flow of excess nitrogen and phosphorus into the Chesapeake Bay through the implementation of the tributary strategies. WQIF funds are provided, in accordance with the guidelines, to help stimulate nonpoint source pollution reduction through the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-share Program and water quality improvement projects within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and Southern Rivers Watershed regions. A team of DCR and other agency or local government staff provide technical expertise in the review, scoring, prioritization and selection of grant applications and proposals. Final decisions for project selection are at the discretion of DCR’s director.
How to Get More Information
Contact Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
(804) 225-3785 and swcgrants@dcr.virginia.gov
Visit the VA DCR webpage on the Water Quality Improvement Fund