Virginia Coastal Program: 2006 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary
Project Task:
42
Grantee:
Crater Planning District Commission
Project Title:
Coastal Technical Assistance Program
Project Description as Proposed:
The Crater staff will work with the Commission’s Environmental Resources Management Task Force comprised of the planning directors of the Crater Planning District to carry out this Technical Assistance program. The objective of the program is to have “Tidewater Communities” working in partnership to manage our coastal resources. The expected outcome of the program is that our communities will have a better understanding of the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program and, therefore, better prepared to address the region’s coastal resource issues.
The Commission staff will assist tidewater communities with (1) environmental impact review of local, state, and federal projects, (2) comprehensive plan updates and reviews and ordinance revisions that incorporate environmental resources and coastal issues, such as nonpoint source and stormwater management, natural hazard mitigation, public access, wetlands, floodplains, shoreline erosion, groundwater management, water supply, transportation planning, as well as Bay Act requirements and (3) regional data coordination (i.e. socioeconomic and environmental).
The Commission will continue to participate in the Chowan River Basin Regional Council (CRBRC) meetings and share data about the Virginia side of the watershed because more than 75 percent of the land area of Crater’s tidewater communities are located in the Chowan Watershed.
The Crater Planning District Commission has been involved in watershed planning initiatives encompassing the Appomattox and James Rivers in the areas of specific environmental and land use initiatives as they relate to the Commission’s “Tidewater Communities”. The initiatives also include close coordination with state and federal agencies. The Commission will continue to participate in the planning and implementation of TMDL plans for the impaired waters and streams in the region through the staff’s participation in the TMDL Technical Advisory Committees.
The Crater Commission will continue to provide staff support to the “Friends of the Lower Appomattox River” (FOLAR) organization. Also, the Commission will work with “The Friends of Chesterfield’s Riverfront” (FCR) and FOLAR on river clean-up and greenway projects.
Federal Funding:
$30,000
Project Contact:
Victor Liu - 804.861.1666; vliu@cpd.state.va.us
Project Status:
10/1/2006 - 9/30/2007; Project Completed
Final Product Received:
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
The technical assistance program includes various activities coordinated and provided by Crater Planning District Commission staff. Some of the major assistance provided including non-point source and storm water management, soil erosion and sediment control, comprehensive planning and land use regulations, watershed planning, water quality improvements, regional tourism, rural transportation, solid waste management, resource conservation, hazard mitigation, grant application assistance and management, and greenway and trail development.
The Commission staff continues to provide staff support to the “Friends of the Lower Appomattox (FOLAR)” organization. The Commission also continues to work with “Friends of Chesterfield’s Riverfront” on water quality monitoring at White Bank in Colonial Heights and greenway development projects.
The Commission, in partnership with the cities of Hopewell and Petersburg, Prince George County, and Richard Bland College, co-sponsored two river clean-ups (Spring and Fall) along the Lower Appomattox River Corridor. The Commission also works with South Central Corridor Resource Conservation and Development Council on Better Management Practice, Low Impact Development, and public access projects.
The Commission sponsored six training sessions. The topics of discussion are Virginia Outdoor Plan 2008, Low Impact Development, Codes and Ordinances of Localities in the James River Watershed, Small Watershed Planning, Green Infrastructure, and State of the James River 2007.
The Commission staff completed the updating process, along with the Town of Surry’s Planning Commission, in regard to the Town’s Comprehensive Plan. Revisions include natural hazard mitigation recommendations as well as a data update per the 2000 census. The Plan was presented to the Planning Commission in July, 2007.
The Commission staff continues assisting FOLAR in grant application and constriction of two bridges at the Battersea area in Petersburg.
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
