Gov. Timothy M. Kaine yesterday announced the award of $7 million to 11 projects through the Southern Rivers Watershed Enhancement Program.

“It is my pleasure to again announce $7 million in grants to improve the water quality and quality of life for Virginians in the southern rivers region,” Kaine said. “The Southern Rivers Watershed Enhancement Program addresses not only the environmental impact of untreated runoff into Virginia’s ground water and streams, but also addresses the quality of life for Virginians who benefit through access to clean and safe water, and the expansion of wastewater treatment and collection systems.”

Ten projects will be funded through the Wastewater Treatment System Construction Grant program, and one from both the Wastewater Treatment System Construction Grant and the Managed On-Site Construction Grant programs.

Combined, these projects will connect 789 households to public wastewater services, install more than 45,000 linear feet of sewer line, expand or construct wastewater treatment facilities and reduce the amount of sewage flowing into several waterways, all of which have been deemed impaired by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality.

“These projects will benefit more than 700 families and their communities with access to clean and safe wastewater systems,” said DHCD Director Bill Shelton.  “We are pleased to be administering these funds that will help create safer and healthier communities.”

The program is administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, in accordance with guidelines and procedures developed with the Virginia Departments of Environmental Quality, Health, and Conservation and Recreation. The program is designed to improve the water quality of Virginia’s non-Chesapeake Bay watersheds, and is funded through Virginia’s Water Quality Improvement Fund.