The Virginia Dry Fire Hydrant Grant Program was adopted in 1995 by the Virginia General Assembly with the intent of improving fire protection and conserving energy. The dry hydrant consists of piping with one end in an area stream, pond, or cistern and the other end extending to dry land and available for connection to a pumper. Dry hydrants utilize a non-pressurized pipe system composed of relatively inexpensive piping materials and are permanently installed. Dry hydrants allow for years of simple operation with a minimum of maintenance costs. A strategically placed dry hydrant with all-weather road access allows more water to be distributed in less time, thereby improving fire-fighting capabilities. In addition, dry hydrants use untreated water thus preserving more of the treated water supply.
The Virginia Dry Fire Hydrant Grant Program will cover the costs associated with a standard installation of a dry hydrant. A standard installation consists of up to ninety linear feet of six inch diameter schedule 40 PVC pipe, one six inch PVC barrel strainer with bottom facing intake holes and a stainless steel weighted end flap, and one six inch PVC NST hydrant head with a six inch to four and one half-inch adapter and cap. There is no local match requirement; however, any costs above a standard installation will be paid for through the Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management’s FY 2018 Adopted Budget. The Department will also be responsible for any associated maintenance costs.
The Department of Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Management (FREM) would like to submit an application under this program for the installation of dry fire hydrant at 6548 Courthouse Road. FREM has received written permission from the landowner for this installation. The landowner will have the ability to revoke his permission with 30 days written notice. In the event that permission is revoked, Spotsylvania County would be responsible for the costs associated with removing the dry hydrant and seeding the site. In addition to securing the homeowner’s permission for installation, FREM must obtain all applicable federal, state, and/or local permits if required for this site. In reviewing the site, Code Compliance and Planning have determined that no permits will be required for this location. To be considered, the grant program requires a resolution to be passed by the governing body.
All grant applications must be submitted by March 31, 2018.