Virginia Coastal Program: 2004 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary
Project Task:
FY 2004 Task 49
Grantee:
Richmond Regional Planning District Commission
Project Title:
RRPDC Coastal Resources Technical Assistance Program
Project Description as Proposed:
The Richmond Regional
Planning District Commission will provide policy and planning support:
GIS Data Support: Generally, the RRPDC will provide GIS analysis
of existing and future land uses using locally adopted land use
plans and aerial photography. Geographical data distribution and
maps of environmental resources will be made available via the PDC's
GIS data server. Specific projects include: Public Greenway and
Blueway Features Inventory: Maintain inventory of existing public
greenway and blueway features consisting of existing floodplains,
wetlands, parks, and protected areas in the region beginning with
Charles City and New Kent counties. Regional Impervious Surface
Inventory: Maintain inventory of existing impervious surfaces for
the region using ortho-photography. These two projects combined
will identify areas of growth and natural resources to be used by
local governments as a planning tool. James River Interpretative
Maps: Print maps for public distribution as prepared from the 2003
Coastal Grant.
Environmental Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Support: RRPDC
will work with the region’s Environmental TAC to develop an
environmental work program. PDC staff will host at least four meetings
of the TAC to inform and provide training to members on the latest
coastal developments and to implement components of the work program.
Meeting schedules, agendas, and summary will be posted on the PDC
website or distributed to TAC members.
Local Government Technical Assistance: RRPDC will assist local governments
with coastal programs by: preparing and administering grant applications,
requests for proposals, etc; reviewing local site plans and development
proposals for environmental impacts; preparing and assisting with
updates to local plans and ordinances; assisting with tributary
strategy implementation; and conducting other technical assistance
as requested.
Public and Private Agencies/Commissions Liaison: RRPDC will participate
in meetings and workshops covered under the Regional Cooperation
Act, the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, and the Chesapeake 2000
Agreement as well as actively participate as a member of the VAPDC
Coastal Committee, Metro Areas Work Group and the Local Government
Advisory Committee. The RRPDC will strive to improve coordination
between coastal groups through sharing coastal management issues.
Federal Funding:
$27,500.00
Project Contact:
Jackie S. Stewart - 804.367.6001; jstewart@richmondregional.org
Project Status:
Grant Closed
Final Product Received:
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
Environmental Technical Advisory Committee, organized by Richmond Regional Planning District Commission (RRPDC) staff, met four times during the year in order to bring together local and state environmental staff for training opportunities and discussion of environmental issues. In November 2004, the group discussed changes to Chesapeake Bay regulations and provided comments for input to the Chesapeake Bay Local Government Advisory Committee. Also, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) staff gave a presentation to the group regarding conservation lands in the region. In February 2005, DCR staff presented information available through the Natural Heritage Resources program. A representative from the Piedmont Region James River Basin Tributary Strategy Roundtable Steering Committee gave a presentation to the group on tributary strategies. In April 2005, DCR staff gave a presentation to the group on watershed management planning and how state and federal programs are related to local watershed planning. Also, a staff member from the Northern Virginia Regional Commission gave a presentation on how to create a storm drain marker program based on experiences in northern Virginia. In August 2005, RRPDC staff gave a presentation on the impervious surfaces project. The committee also discussed ways to raise public awareness of the region’s connection to the Chesapeake Bay and how to target a grant application for the state’s Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund for a media campaign.
Local Government Technical Assistance – RRPDC staff completed over 70 environmental reviews of federal, state and local projects during this year.
Public and Private Agencies/Commissions Liaison – RRPDC staff participated in the following meetings, strategies sessions or work groups: York River and Small Coastal Basin Roundtable meetings, James River Advisory Council (JRAC) meeting, Chesterfield County Water Quality Roundtable meeting, meeting/workshop for formation of a Richmond region environmental education group, state water supply planning workshop by DEQ and others, Virginia Environmental Management Systems (VREMS), VAPDC Coastal Committee, and a VDEQ Strategy Session for development of non-tidal wetland monitoring and assessment systems.
GIS Data Support and Maps – RRPDC staff worked to complete first draft of digitized impervious surfaces of region. RRPDC staff completed the two James River Interpretive Maps. These work products are described below:
Products:
Impervious Surface in the Richmond Region was completed by RRPDC staff as a first phase of a study which maps impervious surfaces throughout the region based on digital ortho imagery data from 1994 and 2002. The mapping created an inventory of impervious surfaces in those years. The analysis contained in the study’s seven-page report focused on the change in land coverage by structures within the region between 1994 and 2002. The product includes a description of the methodology, a summary of results by locality, and ten maps. The report and maps will be available on the agency’s website, www.richmondregional.org.
James River Interpretive Guide - Map 1 is a color map for river users showing the James River from Columbia in Fluvanna County to Huguenot Bridge at the City of Richmond. Over 40 man-made and natural features are described, with interesting historical and natural information noted. River landings and riverside parks are shown with road information included.
James River Interpretive Guide - Map 2 is also a color map for river users with interpretive information about the James River from Huguenot Bridge through the City of Richmond. Map 2 is also directed toward boaters with a “middle of the river” perspective of the surrounding landscape. These maps will be distributed to city and county recreation departments, public officials and river outfitters. Also, the maps will be available in PDF format on the agency’s website, www.richmondregional.org.
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
