Governor Abigail Spanberger announced $22.7 million in Community Development Block Grants for 17 projects across Virginia. The grants will fund new housing construction, downtown revitalizations, and infrastructure improvements, with recipients providing an additional $9.7 million in local contributions.
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development administers the grant program, which has allocated federal funding to Virginia communities since 1982. This year's awards combine approximately $19 million in new federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development with funds carried over from the previous year.
"Community development block grants remain one of our most effective tools to encourage durable growth in every region of the Commonwealth," Governor Spanberger said. "By investing more than $20 million directly into our cities and counties, we are expanding affordable housing options, supporting local priorities, and building sustainable infrastructure for Virginians."
The 17 funded projects range from $564,183 to $2 million. Recipients include Tazewell County ($2 million for a leachate tank), Amherst County ($1.99 million for infrastructure), and Wise County ($1.91 million for a waterline replacement project). Other funds support housing rehabilitation efforts, downtown façade improvements, and water and sewer infrastructure in communities across multiple regions of Virginia.