Flood Mitigation Assistance Program (FMAP)

How it works

Fairfax County funds the Flood Mitigation Assistance Program, and the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District administers it. The program reimburses homeowners, renters, associations, and places of worship for eligible projects that protect property from flood damage. The reimbursement is 50% of eligible costs, up to a maximum of $5,000 per property.

What the money covers

Eligible items include projects on the program’s approved list, plus some other projects reviewed case by case. Examples named by the county include floodproof windows, flood gates or panels, temporary flood barriers, battery backups for sump pumps, utility covers, flood alert systems, portable pumps and hoses, flood-resistant building materials, modifying topography, and protecting external stairwells.

Amounts and timing

Only expenses on or after 2024-07-01 are eligible. Applicants can be reimbursed for multiple projects on a property until they reach the $5,000 cap. Owners of multiple properties can apply for up to $5,000 per property. Funding is currently available and applications are being accepted.

How to apply

Work must be completed before applying. Applicants submit an online application with itemized receipts or invoices, proof of payment, photos of the final installation, and, if available, photos before installation. The county says reimbursement checks are typically issued within 60 calendar days after the application is found complete and accurate.

Important conditions

Applicants must secure all required approvals and permits and provide proof. If work was done without required approvals or inspections, the applicant cannot be reimbursed until those are obtained and, if applicable, inspected. Applicants also must sign a waiver and hold-harmless acknowledgement and provide a tax ID number and IRS Form W-9.