Virginia Senate Appoints Jay Ford to Recurrent Flooding Subcommittee

RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Senate has appointed Jay Ford, Virginia Policy Manager for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, to the General Assembly’s Joint Subcommittee on Recurrent Flooding, signaling a continued commitment to addressing one of the state’s most pressing environmental challenges.

The Joint Subcommittee on Recurrent Flooding was established to evaluate and recommend policy solutions to the growing threat of frequent and severe flooding impacting communities across the Commonwealth. Ford’s appointment brings a strong environmental advocacy voice to the panel, which is tasked with helping guide legislative strategies in response to climate-related threats and sea-level rise.

In his role with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Ford has been a vocal supporter of sustainable coastal development and resilience planning. His experience working with both policymakers and local communities in flood-prone areas positions him as a key player in shaping future flood mitigation efforts.

Recurrent flooding has become a major concern in both coastal and inland regions of Virginia, driven by a combination of sea-level rise, increasingly intense storms, and aging infrastructure. The subcommittee has been instrumental in exploring legislative options such as local adaptation funding, nature-based infrastructure, and improved land-use planning.

The inclusion of environmental experts like Ford on the panel reflects a broader shift in state policy toward resilience and sustainability.

The Joint Subcommittee is expected to convene again in the coming months to review existing flood risk data and draft new policy recommendations ahead of the 2026 legislative session.