Virginia DEQ awards $8.5 million for stormwater pollution reduction projects

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) recently awarded $8.5 million in funding for 17 stormwater pollution reduction projects, which will be managed by local governments that will match the funds received from the DEQ.

"These grants are a key tool in our ongoing efforts to improve water quality in Virginia," DEQ Director David K. Paylor said. "The funds will help local governments implement specific projects that result in less stormwater pollution in our rivers, streams and the Chesapeake Bay."

The projects. which are spread across 17 communities throughout the state, were chosen from 77 applications that local governments submitted to the DEQ this year. The projects that the DEQ ultimately chose address the water quality improvements needed in the state through cost-effective enhancements of their communities stormwater management plans. The funding for these grants comes from the Stormwater Local Assistance Fund, which was created in 2013 to promote water quality through best management practices.