Photo courtesy of Botetourt Co.
Botetourt County is excited to announce the award of a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant, administered through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM), to acquire the property and clear debris following demolition of the flood damaged structure at 72 Railroad Ave. in Eagle Rock. This grant, valued at up to $241,395, was officially awarded on December 20, 2024. The funding will support improvements to the property, with the County responsible for just 5% of the total project cost (approximately $12,000), while FEMA covers 75% and the Commonwealth of Virginia contributes 20%.
The project will focus on clearing debris from the flood-prone structure, grading the site, and planting grass to create a green space that enhances flood resilience while improving safety and aesthetics. Once acquired by the County, the property will be permanently designated for park-related uses per grant requirements. All contracts for the project will follow federal and state procurement procedures, and additional updates will be shared as work at the site begins.
Community involvement has been key in securing this funding. In August 2024, the County invited residents to provide input through a public comment form, gathering 43 responses with feedback and letters of support. We sincerely appreciate the collaborative efforts of VDEM, FEMA, and the Eagle Rock community in making this project possible.
For questions or more information, contact Tiffany Bradbury, Director of Communications, at tbradbury@botetourtva.gov.
