Title
Briefing on the Draft Report of the Peninsula Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study
Purpose
PURPOSE/BACKGROUND
The City is partnering with the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) as a non-federal sponsor on the Peninsula Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Feasibility Study. The Study includes nonstructural measures-focused analyses for both residential, non-residential, and critical infrastructure facilities in Hampton and Poquoson over a 50-year period of analysis (2040-2090). The proposed nonstructural measures are elevations of residential structures and flood proofing of non-residential structure and critical infrastructure. The National Environmental Policy Act requires the release of a Draft Integrated Feasibility Report and Environmental Assessment ("the Draft Report") to document the decision-making process and provide a formal opportunity for public feedback.
The Peninsula CSRM Feasibility Study is a 100% federally funded study consistent with USACE 3x3 Policy, with a study cost of $3,000,000 and a schedule of 3-years. The funding appropriations is Disaster Relief Act of 2019 (DRA-19).
Discussion:
The information in the Draft Report illustrates the extensive need for risk management in the study area; however, it is acknowledged that the current scope and scale of the recommendation is above realistic implementation capability. Further refinement will occur between Draft and Final Report to ensure the recommendation of a smaller subset of projects that reflects an interim solution that can be reasonably implemented in a timely and practical manner.
The DRA-19 funding limitations and study schedule is not sufficient to comprehensively analyze CSRM solutions within Hampton. A separate and more comprehensive feasibility study (or multiple studies) is necessary to evaluate more complex structural measure systems and nature-based strategies in support of a more resilient, redundant, and adaptable risk management approach within Hampton. The current study scope, which includes nonstructural measures only, intends to recommend a plan that has independent utility and would not rely on future studies to be effective.
Impact:
Future implementation of the projects included in the Final Report would tangibly reduce coastal storm flooding risk for participating property owners.
Recommendation:
Rec
No action is being requested of Council at this time.