$1.1 million in grants to focus Virginia wetlands protection

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) recently was awarded $1.1 million in funding through two Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Wetland Program Development Grants.

“Wetlands play a significant role in protecting our nation’s water supply,” EPA Regional Administrator Shawn Garvin said. “By taking action to protect and restore these valuable resources, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Institute of Marine Science are protecting sources of our drinking water, preventing flooding and making us more resilient to climate change.”

The DEQ will use a $750,000 grant to improve public understanding and value of aquatic resources with the development of new strategies and extended outreach. VIMS will use its funding, $365,000, to develop and test a climate change vulnerability assessment framework for the state's wetlands.

“Our wetland resources play a critical role in environmental health, and Virginia appreciates the opportunity to make the best possible use of this grant,” DEQ Director David Paylor said. “Providing much-needed attention to aquatic resources is a key priority in our efforts to help restore and protect the quality of our wetlands and improve climate resiliency.”