ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, VA (Rocktown Now) — Owners of the commonwealth’s more than 2500 regulated dams may now apply for matching grants from the Virginia Dam Safety, Flood Prevention and Protection Assistance Fund.

A total of five million dollars is available for dam safety projects.

The fund is managed by the Virginia Resources Authority on behalf of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation.

Dam owners in Virginia are responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of their dams. In the event of a failure, dam owners are responsible for any downstream damage.

All grants are reimbursements and require a 50 percent match.

Requests must be submitted by February 28th.