VCAP Now Available in Newport News

Robyn Woolsey
Jul 9
2 min read

The Colonial SWCD is excited to announce that landowners within the City of Newport News are now eligible to participate in the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program (VCAP)! This opportunity was made possible through a new partnership with the city which resulted in a Memorandum of Understanding that allows District staff to implement the program within the city boundaries. Many independent cities within the commonwealth, including several in Hampton Roads, are not included in a SWCD service area and are therefore excluded from VCAP. The Colonial SWCD has been working diligently over the past several years to expand VCAP access to these cities through similar memoranda and we’re grateful for this new partnership with Newport News.

Participation in VCAP provides landowners with technical and financial assistance for addressing stormwater issues such as erosion, excess runoff, and poorly vegetated areas. All lands except for those that are state or federally owned are eligible, including private residences, schools, businesses, community properties, and places of worship, among others. When a landowner expresses interest in participating in VCAP, district staff generally start off with a site visit to get a better understanding of the characteristics of the property and observe the stormwater issues. During and after the site visit, we can help the landowner determine what solutions may be suitable and what may be eligible for financial assistance. VCAP provides cost-share funding for the installation of twelve stormwater best management practices (BMPs), and if the landowner chooses to pursue BMP funding we are there to guide them through the application process.

If you live in Newport News and are interested in participating in the program, please submit a service request through the Newport News 311 service and mention VCAP in your request. This will direct City staff to forward your request to the appropriate district staff.

Read more articles in the Summer 2025 CSWCD Newsletter here.