BRIDGEWATER, VA (Rocktown Now) — The Town of Bridgewater has been awarded $833,384 in 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to upgrade aging water and sewer infrastructure in the Fountainhead Subdivision. Bridgewater was one of 17 communities selected by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development this year.

The award was announced by Governor Abigail Spanberger on October 6 as part of $22.7 million in CDBG funding for community development projects across the Commonwealth. The program provides federal funding to help communities strengthen physical and economic environments.

“Community development block grants remain one of our most effective tools to encourage durable growth in every region of the Commonwealth,” said Governor Abigail Spanberger. “By investing more than $20 million directly into our cities and counties, we are expanding affordable housing options, supporting local priorities, and building sustainable infrastructure for Virginians.”

Congressman Ben Cline’s office also congratulated the Town on the award, noting that the funding will help Bridgewater make important infrastructure improvements.

Built in the 1970s, Bridgewater’s Fountainhead Subdivision consists of 56 homes and townhomes along Stephen Circle, Brian Avenue, and Cindie Lane, off Mt. Crawford Avenue. The Town will use the CDBG funding to upgrade the subdivision’s aging water and sewer infrastructure, helping ensure these essential services continue to meet residents’ needs.

Town staff have spent several years evaluating the subdivision’s infrastructure and developing a plan for the needed improvements. Staff worked closely with the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission and engineering firm Hurt & Proffitt to prepare the CDBG grant application, which was submitted in June 2026.

The Town expects to receive authorization to move forward with the project by spring 2027. With engineering already complete, the Town hopes to solicit construction bids in summer 2027.

“We appreciate the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development for investing in Bridgewater and helping us address infrastructure needs in the Fountainhead Subdivision,” said Alex Wilmer, Assistant Town Manager for Administration. “This grant will help us to make important improvements to the neighborhood’s water and sewer system and better serve the residents who live there.”