Apply for Cost Share

How to Apply

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The James River Living Shoreline Cost Share Program is administered by the James River Association and is available to homeowners whose property is within the James River watershed (see map below). The program is managed by the James River Association. If your property is not within our watershed, check out the other assistance programs available in the region. 
1. Please locate the property on the map below to determine eligibility.
2. Fill out the interest form below or by phone, and a staff member will reach out shortly.
Note: If you are interested in a living shoreline and live in the Elizabeth River Watershed, please fill out an application through the Elizabeth River Project’s website.

Locate your Property

Use the map below to determine whether your property is in the James River Watershed.

Additional Financial Assistance

Need-based financial assistance is available to property owners who qualify and is based on where the household falls within the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). See the attachment below for details.
additional_financial_assistance_requirements_2023.pdf
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Program Offerings

For eligible homeowners, JRA provides:
  1. Free site visit and project design
  2. Assistance with the permitting process
  3. 75% of construction costs *
  4. Three years of maintenance

​To be selected for the program, homeowners must meet the following requirements:
  1. Own a tidal shoreline in the James River watershed that is eroding or at risk of erosion
  2. Have a desire to improve water quality and habitat in their local waterways
  3. Agree to keep the shoreline as a living shoreline for 10 years
  4. Provide the remaining 25% of construction costs *
* Additional assistance is available based on financial need.

While living shorelines are excellent solutions to erosion in tidal areas, they may not be suitable in all instances. Properties that are inappropriate for the James River Association's  cost-share program may include:
  • High eroding bluffs, which are prevalent along the south bank of the James
  • Located away from tidal bodies of water, i.e. along creeks and streams in the woods
  • Adjacent to beds of submerged aquatic vegetation or other similarly sensitive and protected habitats
  • Areas where access for construction equipment or maintenance are limited or unfeasible
* Contact [email protected] with site specific questions