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Rockbridge Conservation received a $300,000 grant this month through the Virginia Department of Health that will benefit members of the community.
VDH’s Septic and Well Assistance Program, or SWAP, is aimed to help lowincome homeowners repair or replace well and septic systems. Funding for this grant program is part of the American Rescue Plan Act operating through the Office of Environmental Health Services.
“Rockbridge Conservation is eager to get started on this initiative and work with families living in Rockbridge County, the cities of Buena Vista and Lexington, and the towns of Goshen and Glasgow,” said Susan McLaughlin, the SWAP program facilitator.
Rockbridge Conservation is committed to adhering to best management practices to repair or drill a new well, repair or install a new septic system, or connection to public utilities, she said. The grant will pay for 100% of the qualified project costs.
Partner organizations helping to identify qualifying households include the Rockbridge Area Relief Association, Rockbridge Area Department of Social Services, local county, city, and town governments, and water and sewer authorities.
To be eligible, households must meet all SWAP eligibility criteria, including having an income that is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and own and live in the home. Fiscal and other criteria eligibility is determined by the local health department.
Rockbridge Conservation is seeking eligible participants and is asking community members to help get the information out to qualifying households.
Send all inquiries to [email protected].
“We believe that this grant program will greatly improve the lives and health of our community members, and improve water quality in the Rockbridge community as a whole,” said McLaughlin.
