City, Army Corps of Engineers partner on storm risk study

Friday, July 26, 2024 - The City of Hampton signed an agreement this morning with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to kick off a regional study of coastal storm risks and the solutions they will require.

City Manager Mary Bunting signed the agreement with Col. Sonny Avichal, commander of the USACE's Norfolk District, outlining the cost-sharing structure of 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," City Manager Mary Bunting said. "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, and Williamsburg, the counties of James City and York, and Jamestown Island. The study 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," Col. Avichal said. "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."