So much is happening that it’s easy to miss something. This is our brief weekly highlight of a few things we’ve see happening across Virginia. Follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date with news, funding opportunities, and events as we post them.
Virginia’s Fire and EMS Needs Assessment Report
A workgroup recently submitted a report on the state and needs of Virginia’s Fire and EMS services to the General Assembly and Virginia Fire Services Board. In short, the study found that call volume has increased, volunteer providers have decreased, and state level funding has only increased slightly. The data was gathered through the Virginia Fire and EMS Needs Assessment and Survey which is the first statewide review of fire and EMS in recent memory. 87% of the state’s cities and counties responded to the survey. In the report, the workgroup provides recommendations on how the General Assembly can better protect citizens and assist localities with fire and EMS funding. Read more
Local governments in same river basin now required to work together in crafting plans for water supply and use
Virginia’s State Water Control Board amended regulations last week to how Virginia handles water supply planning. Previously, local governments could choose whether they wanted to submit their water supply and use plans independently or work with other localities in a regional approach. The changes now require local governments in the same river basin to work together in crafting these plans. This change was preceded by a report by the Joint Legislative Audit Review Commission that found that “without regional planning, localities may miss opportunities to collaborate on high-cost water supply projects, and some localities may have greater access to water than others.” Read more
Federal funding to study expansion of passenger rail through Southwest Virginia
The Federal Railroad Administration recently approved a plan to study two potential passenger rail corridors that would run through Southwest Virginia. These corridors – one that would expand service to Bristol and another new east-west corridor across the state – are now included in the federal Corridor Identification and Development Program. Each project will receive an initial $500,000 grant to pay for the studies. Read more
USDA and EPA strengthen partnership to improve access to modern and affordable wastewater infrastructure for people in rural America
This year, the USDA joined the Decentralized Wastewater Management MOU that was developed by EPA in 2005 to help people in rural and underserved communities access affordable, modern, and safe wastewater infrastructure. USDA Rural Development staff will identify and work with state and local finance partners to increase access to funding for rural communities; connect rural communities to technical assistance resources; and foster connections between technical assistance providers to support the design, construction, and financing of sustainable decentralized wastewater infrastructure. Read more
Achieving Equitable Recovery: A Post-Disaster Guide for Local Officials and Leaders
FEMA recently published a framework to help rebuild communities in a more accessible, inclusive, and equitable way after a disaster. “Achieving Equitable Recovery: A Post-Disaster Guide for Local Officials and Leaders” supports local officials and leaders in their efforts to identify needs, establish critical partnerships, leverage new opportunities, conduct strategic public engagement, and make a strong case for equitable recovery. Read more
Community Change Grants Program
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting applications on a rolling basis for $2 billion in Inflation Reduction Act funding available through the Community Change Grants program. This funding will support community-driven projects that build capacity for communities to tackle Environmental Justice and Climate Justice challenges, strengthen their Climate Resilience, and advance Clean Energy. Read more
Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns Funding Opportunity
The Chesapeake Bay Green Streets, Green Jobs, Green Towns (G3) Grant Program supports the design and implementation of green streets, community greening, and urban tree canopy projects that aim to reduce stormwater runoff, increase the number and amount of green spaces in urban areas, improve the health of local waters and the Chesapeake Bay, and enhance the quality of life and community livability. In addition, there is a project track that supports white papers that address these topics. This funding opportunity is available to local governments, nonprofit organizations, neighborhood/community associations, and other nonprofit entities. Deadline to apply is March 7, 2024. Read more
