HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — The city of Hampton and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will study flooding in coastal regions and rivers on the Peninsula that are exacerbated by sea level rise.
They received approval in December from the Corps’ national headquarters to begin the Virginia Peninsula Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study, which includes low-lying areas that have experienced repeat damage from coastal storms, rain and floods.
The $3 million federally-funded study, which will cover Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson and Williamsburg, along with James City and York counties, was approved under the Long-term Disaster Recovery Investment Plan component of the 2019 Additional Supplemental Appropriations Disaster Relief Act. The area includes the James River to the south, the Chesapeake Bay to the east and the York River to the north.
“Hampton has taken a very proactive position on mitigating the impact of storms and sea-level rise,” Hampton City Manager Mary Bunting said in a statement. “This is a study we have been seeking for several years and are pleased that it is moving forward. We are very excited for the opportunity to partner with our regional partners and the Army Corp of Engineers.
“Floodwaters cross borders, and this comprehensive study is an opportunity for the Peninsula to have a regional planning approach for shoreline protection projects. The Army Corps’ study will provide an understanding of those issues and develop potential solutions that will make the region safer and stronger.”
The study will look into the federal interest and feasibility of putting into place measures to mitigate flooding, including building elevation or flood-proofing, nature-based solutions like wetland restoration and structural measures such as tide gates and flood walls to aid in managing the risk of storm damage.
Col. Brian Hallberg, commander of the Army Corps of Engineers’ Norfolk District, said they look forward to partnering with the Peninsula localities. Based on the study’s findings, Hampton and the surrounding communities will partner with the Corps on a plan for designs leading to construction to help manage coastal storm risk and improve the Peninsula’s economic resiliency.
For a detailed study description, go here.