Rappahannock Community College Receives $208,215 Grant for Emergency Generator
Richmond County and Rappahannock Community College (RCC) have been awarded a $208,215 grant from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) through the Commonwealth’s Shelter Upgrade Assistance Fund (SUF) to support the installation of a backup generator at the College’s new Health Sciences Building which will serve as a warming shelter during times of emergency.
The funding is part of VDEM’s announcement of $3,542,489 in Fiscal Year 2026 Shelter Upgrade Assistance Fund awards to 15 localities across Virginia. The SUF provides matching funds to help install, maintain, or repair infrastructure related to backup energy generation for emergency shelters and to improve the structural integrity of shelter facilities.
The Richmond County Chief of Emergency Services notes, “The generator will enhance the county’s capacity to provide a safe, reliable warming shelter during emergencies, ensuring Richmond County residents have critical support during power outages and severe weather events.”
“This investment strengthens both our campus infrastructure and our commitment to the communities we serve,” said Dr. Shannon Kennedy, RCC President. “With this generator in place, our Health Sciences Building will be better equipped to support students, faculty, and potentially the broader community during times of emergency.”
Each SUF award includes a state match of up to $450,000, with required local contributions determined by the Local Government Federal Stress Index. RCC’s project aligns with the fund’s purpose of enhancing backup energy generation capacity for designated emergency shelter facilities.
The new Health Sciences Building, to be completed on the Warsaw campus in 2027, will house programs that prepare students for in-demand healthcare careers and play a vital role in workforce development across RCC’s service region.