Virginia has awarded more than $500,000 in state grants to enhance safety at more than 20 dams and to create tools to inform Virginians about flood risk.

The grants are from the Virginia Dam Safety, Flood Prevention and Protection Assistance Fund. The fund is managed by the Virginia Resources Authority on behalf of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. Grants are awarded through a competitive application process and approved by the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board.

“These grants will kick-start planning and engineering work needed to keep people and property safe,” DCR Director Clyde E. Cristman said. “As we are in hurricane season in the Mid-Atlantic, it’s important to remember that flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster. I’m pleased that dam owners and communities across Virginia are leveraging these funds to increase public safety.”

Prince Edward County received awards for the following: Bush River Dam No.12 received $500 for probable maximum precipitation impact analysis and certification and $4,000 for spillway capacity or overtopping analysis; Poplar HIll Dam received $3,400 for emergency plan development (emergency action plan or emergency preparedness plan and $11,250 for dam break inundation zone analysis, mapping and digitization.

The fund was established to provide 50-50 matching grants to dam owners whose dams are under state regulation. Grants are also available to help local governments improve strategies for flood prevention and protection. Grants are awarded to private and public entities.

Information about the Virginia Dam Safety, Flood Prevention and Protection Assistance Fund is available at http://www.dcr.virginia. gov/dam-safety-andfloodplains/ dsfpm-grants