Stormwater Infrastucture Grant

Neighborhood Stormwater Infrastructure Grant Program

Summary

Stafford County has launched its new Neighborhood Stormwater Infrastructure Grant Program. The goal of the program is to provide neighborhoods within the County assistance in tackling public drainage issues. The program will provide:

  • up to 75% of the total costs for inventorying, inspecting or studying existing storm systems up to a maximum of $6,000;
  • up to 50% of the total cost for non-routine maintenance, repairs and improvements of storm sewer systems up to $25,000;
  • And up to 50% of the total cost for non- routine maintenance, repairs and improvements of stormwater best management practices (BMPs) up to $7,500.

This pilot program will focus on public drainage within residential communities. Maintenance, repair or improvements of private or commercial facilities are not eligible.

Here are some helpful links to get started:

We have a new email address! Email questions to NSIGrant@staffordcountyva.gov. You can also reach us by phone at (540) 658 – 8830.

Background and Overview

The program has been established to address ongoing stormwater issues with neighborhood drainage systems and BMPs.

Available Grants

  • Inventory, Inspection & Engineering Study Grants – Includes inventorying, mapping and inspecting existing drainage structures and developing engineering-based solutions to address deficiencies. Results are for planning future maintenance and improvements and can be included in a homeowner’s association (HOA) reserve study. Engineering studies must be signed and sealed by a licensed engineer who has the knowledge and experience to design such improvements and is licensed by the state of Virginia.

  • Repair, Maintenance & Improvement Grants – Includes repairs to maintain a drainage system as originally designed and improvements to inadequate drainage systems (improvements shall be based on an engineering study).

  • BMP Repair, Maintenance & Improvement Grants – Includes repairs to maintain a BMP as originally designed and improvements to inadequate BMPs (improvements shall be based on and engineering study). Only non-routine maintenance, repairs and improvements will be considered.

Timeline:

Solicitation                        Begins April 1st 

Pre-Application                 April 1st to May 1st 

Notice of Eligibility           April 1st to May 15th 

Application                       May 1st to August 31st

Notice of Award               September 1st to October 31st

Project Completion          2 years from Notice of Award

Final Invoice                      2 years from Notice of Award

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this grant help me pay for the maintenance of a roadway ditch?

Maintenance of a roadway ditch within VDOT right-of-way is not eligible for grant funding.

Will this grant help me pay for the maintenance or replacement of a pipe under my driveway?

Private drainage infrastructure is not eligible for grant funding.

Who will be reviewing grant applications?

The Stafford County Environmental Division will be reviewing all applications. During the review process, applications will be scored based on the criteria listed in the funding criteria section of the Notice of Funding Opportunity. Grants will be awarded to projects which score the highest and will be dependent on available funding.

 

What kind of grants can I apply for?

Inventory, Inspection & Engineering Study Grants – Includes inventorying, mapping and inspecting existing drainage structures and developing engineering-based solutions to address deficiencies. Results are for planning future maintenance and improvements and can be included in a homeowner’s association (HOA) reserve study. Engineering studies must be signed and sealed by a licensed engineer who has the knowledge and experience to design such improvements and is licensed by the state of Virginia.

Repair, Maintenance & Improvement Grants – Includes repairs to maintain a drainage system as originally designed and improvements to inadequate drainage systems (improvements shall be based on an engineering study).

BMP Repair, Maintenance & Improvement Grants – Includes repairs to maintain a BMP as originally designed and improvements to inadequate BMPs (improvements shall be based on and engineering study). Only non-routine maintenance, repairs and improvements will be considered.

When does the project need to be completed?

The period of performance for the Neighborhood Stormwater Infrastructure Grant is 2 years. All invoices for completed projects that received a notice of award must be submitted within the 2 year period of performance.

Should there be a drainage easement around the facility I plan on repairing?

If no easement exists, the recordation of a new public drainage easement may be required.

Can the County provide funds before construction starts?

No. Grant funds are given in the form of reimbursement. Reimbursement will be provided to the grantee upon completion of the project and receipt of a completed “Project Reimbursement Form.”

What is a neighborhood drainage system?

Neighborhood drainage systems include structures such as inlets, pipes, vegetated or paved swales and outfall structures, located outside of the VDOT right-of-way, which move runoff originating on or off-site safely through residential areas to protect citizens and property. Roof and footing drains, privately installed on-lot drainage structures, and driveway culverts are not considered part of a neighborhood drainage system.

What is a stormwater management facility (BMP)?

Stormwater management facilities, also known as best management practices or BMPs, include structures that reduce the quantity of storm runoff and improve the water quality of the runoff. BMP components include, but are not limited to, inlets, pipes, vegetated or paved swales, ponds, bioretention features, embankments, outfalls and energy dissipation structures.