Posted on July 29, 2024
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Norfolk District, and the City of Hampton signed a Feasibility Cost Share Agreement on Friday, July 26 to kick off the Peninsula Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study in partnership with the City of Hampton and neighboring municipalities.
Col. Sonny Avichal, Norfolk District Commander and District Engineer, and Ms. Mary Bunting, City of Hampton City Manager, signed the agreement which outlines the cost-sharing structure of the three-year study authorized by Public Law 84-71 of 1955 and the Water Resources Development Act of 2018.
“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 stated. “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.”
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. Sonny Avichal, USACE Norfolk District Commander. “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.”
The Peninsula Coastal Storm Risk Management Study is a comprehensive investigation of coastal storm risks and risk management solutions for the Peninsula Region. Upcoming scoping will determine the geographic extent of the study, which is anticipated to potentially include the cities of Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson, and Williamsburg, as well as James City and York Counties. 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.
Personnel from the City of Hampton and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Norfolk District pose for a photo after City Manger Mary Bunting (seated left) and Norfolk District Commander Col. Sonny Avichal (seated right) signed an agreement to initiate a regional study of coastal storm risks and the solutions they will require on 26 July, 2024. USACE received $3 million in federal appropriations to fund the study through the Disaster Relief Act of 2019.
