Norfolk Homeowners Receive $25 Million Grant for Flood Protection

The city's Coastal Storm Risk Management Project will cover the cost of home renovations to protect against coastal flooding.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The city of Norfolk, Virginia has received a $25 million grant from the state's Community Flood Preparedness Fund to help dozens of homeowners in the Willoughby Spit area protect their homes from coastal flooding. The program will cover the full cost of raising homes and filling basements, as well as provide relocation assistance and accessibility upgrades.

Why it matters

Norfolk is one of the most flood-prone cities in the U.S., and this program aims to help vulnerable homeowners adapt to the growing threat of sea level rise and coastal storms. By covering the full cost of these renovations, the city is making it more accessible for lower-income residents to protect their homes.

The details

The Coastal Storm Risk Management Project will initially focus on around 60 homes in the Willoughby Spit area, contacting residents after a community meeting on February 12th. The program will cover 100% of the costs to lift homes and fill basements, as well as provide funding for hotel stays during construction and accessibility upgrades.

  • The Willoughby Civic League meeting where eligible homeowners will be contacted is on February 12, 2026 at 6:30 PM.
  • The $25 million grant from the Virginia Community Flood Preparedness Fund was awarded in early 2026.

The players

Coastal Storm Risk Management Project

A city program in Norfolk, Virginia that is using a $25 million grant to help protect homes in the Willoughby Spit area from coastal flooding.

Virginia Community Flood Preparedness Fund

A state-level fund that provided the $25 million grant to the city of Norfolk for its home flood protection program.

Willoughby Civic League

A community organization in the Willoughby Spit neighborhood of Norfolk that is working with the city on the flood protection program.

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What they’re saying

“100% of the cost of the mitigation measures are funded by the project, so there's no out of pocket cost from the owner to, you know, say lift the house or fill the basement. That'll all be covered by the project.”

— Spencer (wtkr.com)

What’s next

The Willoughby Civic League will hold a meeting on February 12th where eligible homeowners will be contacted about participating in the flood protection program.

The takeaway

This program demonstrates Norfolk's commitment to protecting vulnerable residents from the growing threat of coastal flooding, and serves as a model for other flood-prone communities to follow in providing comprehensive, no-cost solutions to homeowners.