The Hampton government and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers signed an agreement Friday formalizing a partnership to undertake a regional study of coastal storm risks and to develop solutions.
City Manager Mary Bunting and Col. Sonny Avichal, commander of the Army Corps of Engineers Norfolk District, signed the agreement which outlines the cost-sharing structure of the 3-year Peninsula Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study. The Army Corps of Engineers received $3 million in federal appropriations to fund the study, according to a city news release.
“Currently, we have no financial obligation because we got 100% funding — if the scope or needs expand, we would have to pay 50/50 for our part,” Bunting wrote in an email.
In the release, Bunting described the signing of the agreement as “historic” and said it set a precedent for future joint endeavors.
“Water does not respect municipal boundaries, and this study will provide a holistic look at flood risks for the Peninsula,” she said.
Hampton announced the planned collaboration in January. The city said 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, as well James City and York counties.
In the event the scope of the project expands, Bunting said other localities would be expected to pay a 50% share for work in their communities.
Norfolk worked with the Army Corps of Engineers on a similar Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study several years ago. That work preceded Norfolk’s approval of a $2.6 billion flood mitigation plan that includes construction of a floodwall downtown.
Josh Janney, joshua.janney@virginiamedia.com
