Virginia opens 30-day comment period on two key coastal resilience documents

The Department of Conservation and Recreation is seeking public comment on key documents for the state’s coastal resilience planning. Both documents were previously released without public comment. Comments may be left on the townhall.virginia.gov website Oct. 17 through Nov. 18.

The Virginia Coastal Resilience Master Planning Framework details the core principles of Virginia’s approach to coastal adaptation and protection, and the goals that guide the development and implementation of Virginia’s first Coastal Resilience Master Plan. The Framework was released in October 2020.

The Virginia Coastal Resilience Master Plan – Phase 1 projects future coastal flooding and its impacts to the coastal regions’ community, critical and natural resources. The Plan was released in December 2021.

“The Framework and the Plan are important documents that provide a baseline for future resilience efforts,” said DCR Director Matthew Wells. “As a part of the Youngkin Administration’s commitment to transparency, it is critically important that the public have an opportunity to weigh in on these documents. We hope to use this feedback to guide us as we begin planning for Phase II of the Coastal Resilience Plan.”

DCR is tasked with completing Phase II of the Coastal Resilience Master Plan by December 2024. Phase II will build on Phase I’s hazard analysis and project inventory. It will also expand the Coastal Resilience Web Explorer and Database beyond the coastal region to encompass statewide resilience planning needs.

The public may review and comment on the documents at the following links:

Virginia Coastal Resilience Master Planning Framework

Virginia Coastal Resilience Master Plan – Phase 1

Phase II will be put out for public comment prior to adoption.

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