Virginia Coastal Program: 2005 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary
Project Task:
FY2005 Task 43
Grantee:
Hampton Roads Planning District Commission
Project Title:
Coastal Technical Assistance Program
Project Description as Proposed:
Assist 16 member
local governments, other public entities and private organizations
on coastal and other environmental issues. The HRPDC will perform
the following:
1) Regional Coordination Process. The coordination process involves
all local governments, 5 Soil and Water Conservation Districts,
the Hampton Roads Sanitation District and several state and federal
agencies. It addresses Core Elements of VCRMP, Chesapeake Bay Program,
Albemarle-Pamlico National Estuarine Program. Specifically, addresses
CBPA implementation, tributary strategies, wetlands, public access,
environmental regulations and related issues. Continuation of SWAMP
activities. Chair Coastal PDC Committee and represent it on Coastal
Policy Team.
2) Environmental Impact Review. Review/comment on EIA/EIS and Coastal
Consistency Determinations affecting Hampton Roads.
3) Regional Technical Studies. Policy and technical analysis of
environmental and coastal issues. Specific study to be determined
in cooperation with local governments. Potential topics include
environmental regulations, natural resource funding issues, VCRMP
Core Programs, Chesapeake Bay Program and regional dredging issues.
Continue coordination with state and other PDCs on Coastal Integration
Strategy and related initiatives.
4) Training. Conduct four training programs/activities for local
governments. Possible topics include perenniality, CBPA implementation,
erosion and sediment control, Clean Marinas, VPDES Construction
Permits.
5) Public Information & Education. Produce 4 newsletters. Presentations
will be made on request. Monthly status reports and briefings to
HRPDC Commission. Maintain Environmental Education Clearinghouse.
6) Technical Assistance. Provide updated information & help
to localities in comprehensive plan and ordinance updates and on
environmental issues.
Federal Funding:
$55,000
Project Contact:
John M. Carlock - 757.420.8300; jcarlock@hrpdc.org
Project Status:
Grant Closed
Final Product Received:
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
Through this Program, the HRPDC staff provides the following:
Environmental Impact Review. Approximately sixty-six (66) environmental impact assessments/statements and coastal zone consistency determinations were reviewed, local government input coordinated, and comments provided to DEQ for inclusion in official state positions. Summaries of all projects were provided to the HRPDC.
Participation in State and Federal Programs. The HRPDC staff represents the region on several state and federal technical advisory committees, ensuring that the localities are aware of the programs, their activities and direction, and that local input is provided to the state or federal agency. The HRPDC staff continued to participate in the Coastal PDC Committee and on several Coastal Program committees.
Regional Coordination Process. The HRPDC staff facilitates regional advisory committees addressing wetlands, Chesapeake Bay Program issues, and other coastal and environmental issues. Activities are coordinated with local utilities, stormwater and general planning programs. Through these programs, the localities develop regional consensus on state and federal regulatory and legislative issues, coordinate plans addressing these issues and exchange information on program activities. During the year, this effort focused on Chesapeake Bay Program issues, state water quality and TMDL requirements, implementation of the CBPA and wetlands. A strategic environmental planning initiative began.
Public Information and Education. The HRPDC staff produces four quarterly newsletters, maintains information on its website and provides regular briefings to local elected officials on the HRPD Commission, local governing bodies and to professional and civic organizations.
Technical Assistance. Daily assistance is provided to local government staff, consultants, businesses and citizen environmental organizations on environmental and planning issues. This includes ordinance and plan development, provision of technical information, acquisition and interpretation of aerial photography, and GIS data and maps. Assistance with organizational development and consideration of technical, regulatory and policy issues is provided to regional environmental organizations in order to facilitate informed education and participation in local, regional and state planning and decision-making.
A downloadable PDF version of the final report without appendices will be available at www.hrpdc.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
