Virginia Coastal Program: 1999 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary
Project Task:
FY1999 Task 96
Grantee:
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation/Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Project Title:
Marina Siting Suitability Index and Map Portfolio
Project Description as Proposed:
The purpose of this project is to collect available data, develop protocols for a marina suitability index, and develop GIS rules to implement the protocols to develop a large form map portfolio which identifies areas of suitability for the construction or expansion of public and private marinas.
Federal Funding:
$57,294
Project Contact:
Mark Slauter, 804.692.0839
Project Status:
Grant Closed
Final Product Received:
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
In coordination with the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Department of Environmental Quality, the Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Department and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC), the Center for Coastal Resources Management at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) was contracted to develop a tool for local governments that would assist in the decision making process for marina development. In particular, the agencies wanted to develop a visual representation of the VMRC Criteria for the Siting of Marinas or Community Facilities for Boat Mooring. This was accomplished by gathering available data sets and developing geographic information system (GIS) data layers that can be used to determine the suitability of a shoreline for marina related development activities.
Using shoreline areas demarcated in increments of ½ mile in area, this GIS modeling effort results in a mapping scheme showing color coded segments for habitat, design, and water quality criteria. A summary map was also developed. The segments encompass 200 meters into the water, 600 meters along the shoreline, and 30 meters landward. The summary map may be the most appropriate to use in decision making as it contains all of the information from the other three maps. It is anticipated that local and state agencies will utilize this tool when developing land use plans, reviewing permits, siting public access points, and considering options for economic development.
This project used the VMRC marina siting criteria and developed a map portfolio of marina siting suitability for the tidal shoreline of Virginia. The siting criteria were divided into three categories: criteria mostly related to marina design, criteria mostly related to water quality considerations, and criteria mostly related to habitat considerations. Geographic Information System (GIS) algorithms were developed to model the VMRC criteria (Table 1) and create indices of suitability related to marina siting. The indices were summed within each category (design, water quality, and habitat) to identify areas as desirable, desirable with limitations, and undesirable for the location of a marina. A final summary map incorporating all three categories was also created.
This project provides guidance for the location of marinas, which will help potential marina developers, state and natural resource agencies, regional planning districts, local planning departments and community boards. Marina developers will have the ability to better locate areas for potential marina construction while state and local agencies will have information that will allow them to direct marina development to specific areas and away from sensitive natural resources. The maps are available online at http://www.vims.edu/ccrm/marinasiting.htm.In coordination with the larger state effort to work with marinas, the Marina Technical & Environmental Advisory Committee developed and printed 10,000 bumper stickers for the Virginia Clean Marina program. This educational item is being provided at boat shows and workshops. The sticker is also provided to coastal Planning District Commissions, marinas, marine retail stores, and in information packets mailed out upon request.
Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Laura McKay, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4323 or email: Laura.McKay@deq.virginia.gov
A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov
