The 2021-2025 Virginia Marine Debris Reduction Plan recognized abandoned or derelict vessels as a leading marine pollution problem in Virginia’s waterways. The plan established a strategy to address this issue that includes prevention, research and monitoring, disposal infrastructure, and removal of existing abandoned or derelict vessels. In 2021, Virginia’s Coastal Zone Management Program created the Abandoned and Derelict Vessels Work Group that was tasked with the goal of creating a comprehensive, sustainable, and robust Virginia ADV Prevention and Removal Program. In their final recommendations, the work group recommended a general funds allocation of $3 million to the VMRC for abandoned or derelict vessel removal and the creation of an ADV manager at the agency. Consistent with a part of these recommendations, the VMRC was allocated $ 3 million in FY 2022 to support the removal of abandoned or derelict vessels to be administered as a grant program to localities.

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) hereby establishes this program to provide grants to local governments and other political subdivisions of the Commonwealth to receive funding or to reimburse for the removal of abandoned or derelict vessels from the public tidal waters of the state. For more information on this program please contact Rachael Peabody, Director of Coastal Policy at Rachael.Peabody@mrc.virginia.gov or 757-247-2269.

VMRC Announces FY2023 Abandoned or Derelict Vessel Grant Program

Source of Funds
In the event monies are appropriated by the Legislature, and/or if other funding is available for the Abandoned or Derelict Vessel Grant Program for a given fiscal year, VMRC will announce the availability of funding through a request for proposals to be posted on the web at mrc.virginia.gov/ADVGrant and through the Coastal Planning District Commissions.

Funding Availability
In FY 2023, VMRC plans to award at least $3,000,000 in FY22 through FY23 with no cap on individual awards to jurisdictions. Jurisdictions may submit applications for multiple vessels to be removed.

Request for Proposals

VMRC is requesting a descriptive narrative, cost estimate, and schedule to fund the removal of abandoned or derelict vessels in Virginia’s marine environment. Applications may include requests for reimbursement for vessels removed after March 10, 2023; or may include requests for advance funding for a vessel(s) identified in the application. Grant applicants must submit applications on VMRC’s Abandoned or Derelict Vessel Removal Grant Application form. Please review the grant manual prior to completing the application. Applications must be submitted to Rachael.Peabody@mrc.virginia.gov.

VMRC Abandoned or Derelict Vessel Grant Program Manual
VMRC Abandoned or Derelict Vessel Grant Application