Amid an extended stretch of dangerous heat, humidity and potential drought, flooding hasn’t been the D.C. area’s top meterological concern this summer, but the possibility might’ve crossed some minds during a passing downpour on Wednesday (July 10) — remnants of Hurricane Beryl, which has devastated other parts of the U.S. and the Caribbean.
With climate change exacerbating storms and other extreme weather, Fairfax County has created a new grant program that will reimburse residents who shore up their home against flooding.
Launched on July 1, the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMAP) will cover 50% of the purchase and installation costs for floodproofing projects, such as floodproof windows, temporary flood barriers and sump pump battery backups. The maximum possible grant amount is $5,000.
A full list of eligible projects can be found on the county’s website. The program is limited to residential properties and places of worship, though renters can apply with proof of approval from their landlord or property owner.
Applicants also need to “confirm that their project will not adversely affect neighboring properties by blocking or increasing stormwater flow,” according to the FMAP website.
Staff with the Fairfax County Department of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) presented their proposal for the program to the Board of Supervisors last fall, stating that the county will empower residents by sharing the cost of flood mitigation projects.
The department enlisted the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District to administer the program, allocating it $250,000 for fiscal year 2025, which will end on June 30, 2025.
“The County can expect an increase in heavy rainfall events that surpass the capacity of the stormwater management system, which will lead to more flooding,” DPWES said in a press release. “FMAP will be an invaluable resource to many who need assistance to protect their property.”
Adopted in 2022, the county’s Resilient Fairfax Plan identified inland flooding from heavy precipitation and coastal flooding along the Potomac River as two of the top risks posed by climate change, breaking down the current and future impacts of flooding, extreme heat and other threats on a property-by-property level.
The county has committed nearly $100 million to flood-related projects in its capital improvement program, but DPWES has estimated that another $600 million will be needed over the next 70 years to handle flood prevention and mitigation efforts, a daunting number as officials anticipate ongoing budget constraints.
