North Tidewater News

The City of Hampton signed an agreement this morning with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to initiate a regional study of coastal storm risks and potential solutions.

City Manager Mary Bunting signed the agreement with Col. Sonny Avichal, commander of USACE’s Norfolk District, outlining the cost-sharing structure for the three-year Peninsula Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study.

“The signing of this agreement is historic as it signifies the initiation of a vital collaboration between USACE and the City of Hampton,” said Bunting. “It sets a precedent for future joint endeavors and advancements. Water does not respect municipal boundaries, and this study will provide a holistic look at flood risks for the Peninsula.”

The study will involve a comprehensive investigation of coastal storm risks and risk management solutions for the Peninsula, potentially including Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, Williamsburg, James City County, York County, and Jamestown Island. It will consider past, current, and future flood risk management and resilience planning initiatives/projects underway at USACE and other federal, state, and local agencies. The study is authorized by Public Law 84-71 of 1955 and the Water Resources Development Act of 2018.

USACE received $3 million in federal appropriations to fund the study through the Disaster Relief Act of 2019.

“This agreement marks the beginning of a crucial partnership between USACE and the City of Hampton,” said Col. Avichal. “By combining our resources and expertise, we are taking the first step toward developing comprehensive strategies that will enhance the resilience of our coastal communities along the Virginia Peninsula against future storms.”