Good news for the Middle Peninsula! Our region has secured several significant awards in Round 5 of Virginia’s Community Flood Preparedness Fund (CFPF). These investments represent a huge step forward in protecting our communities, building resilience and preparing for the future.

The CFPF is designed to help localities reduce flood risk through planning, resilience projects and innovative approaches to climate adaptation.

Thanks to strong partnerships and dedicated collaboration, the Middle Peninsula region will now see several impactful initiatives come to life.

Award Highlights

• Essex County – $241,887
  Funding will support floodplain training and increased staff capacity, ensuring the county has the tools and expertise to manage future flood challenges.
• Town of West Point – $1.2 million
  The town will develop a Coastal Resilience Master Plan, a guiding document to strengthen flood protection, safeguard infrastructure and preserve the town’s unique character in the face of rising waters.
• Gloucester County – $2.4 million
  Investment in the Gloucester Point Beach Living Shoreline Project will restore natural defenses, improve habitat and provide long-term flood protection for a beloved community asset.
• Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission – $255,000
  The MPPDC will lead efforts to install regional tide gauges and explore parametric insurance policy planning, creating a foundation for better flood monitoring and innovative financial protection strategies.

A Regional Effort

These awards are more than just dollar amounts—they’re the result of collaboration across counties, towns and regional partners. By working together, we’re ensuring that resilience planning and flood protection reach across jurisdictional lines to benefit the entire Middle Peninsula.

“This is a huge win for our communities and our continued regional resilience efforts,” said Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission Acting Executive Director Rachael Peabody. “We’re incredibly grateful for the strong partnerships that made these awards possible. The hard work of local staff, community leaders and regional partners truly paid off.”

Looking Ahead

As these projects move forward, Fight the Flood, a program of the Middle Peninsula Planning District Commission, will continue working closely with local governments, residents and businesses to build a more resilient region.

Explore the full list of Community Flood Preparedness Fund Grants and Loans Round 5 Awards on the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation’s website.