Department Resources

Virginia and Fairfax County Conservation Assistance Programs

Infiltration trench Rain garden Conservation landscaping

The Conservation Assistance Programs are urban cost-share programs that help property owners address stormwater concerns on their own property with environmentally-friendly practices. They provide financial and technical assistance for installing projects to address erosion, poor vegetation, and/or excess stormwater runoff. The purpose of the program is to help improve water quality in our region by addressing these concerns. By reducing the amount of water runoff from our land, we reduce the pollutants going into our streams and the Chesapeake Bay. CAP funding is available for installing specific practices. Read more below for more information about eligible practices, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.

Eligibility

To be eligible:

The property must be in Fairfax County, City of Alexandria, or City of Fairfax.
The property is experiencing detrimental impacts from stormwater in the form of erosion, poor groundcover, and/or excess runoff.
The proposed practice cannot interfere with regulatory stormwater management installations.
Funding through the program cannot be used to address compliance issues.
New construction has a one-year waiting period before becoming eligible.
The owner will agree to maintain any installed practices for ten years.

Eligible practices

*Permeable pavement is only eligible for cost-share where it is replacing a currently impervious surface.

These are examples of project types that are not eligible for funding through the program.

French drain systems
Dry creek beds
Bulkhead or revetment projects
Stream restorations
Retaining walls

Foundation drains
Landscaping that does not use Virginia native plants
Urban nutrient management plans
Dog waste stations

How it Works

1. Get in touch with us by submitting a site visit request. We will review your request to determine whether your property may be eligible for CAP/VCAP.

2. a. If your property/concern is eligible for a site visit, NVSWCD staff will contact you to schedule one. During periods of high demand, there may be a wait list.

b. During your site visit, staff will discuss your eligibility for cost-share funds. NVSWCD staff will provide you with a report of their recommendations and an application checklist.

3. Plan your project and submit the application checklist and supporting documentation to NVSWCD.

4. Your materials will be reviewed by NVSWCD staff for completeness and an application contract will be provided. The District Board and VASWCD steering committee will determine approval.

5. After you receive approval, you may install your project!

6. After your project is in the ground, we will inspect it and help you complete the reimbursement process.

How to Apply

Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District

Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District Alert:

Department Resources

Virginia and Fairfax County Conservation Assistance Programs

Project types eligible and not eligible for funding through CAP/VCAP

Get Started

Resources for Participants

Fairfax Virtual Assistant

Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District

Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District Alert:

Department Resources

Virginia and Fairfax County Conservation Assistance Programs

Project types eligible and not eligible for funding through CAP/VCAP

Eligible

NOT Eligible

Get Started

Resources for Participants

Plan & Design

Native Plant Information

Project Sizing

Fairfax Virtual Assistant