Virginia Coastal Program: 2006 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary
Project 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 the VCZMP, 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. Participate in Coastal PDC Committee.
2. Environmental Impact Review. Review/comment on EIA/EIS and Coastal Consistency Determinations affecting Hampton Roads, including coordination of local response.
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, funding issues, VCZMP Core Programs, Chesapeake Bay Program and energy issues. The latter topic is likely to receive emphasis during the grant year. 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 CBPA implementation, erosion and sediment control, Clean Marinas and VSMP Construction Permits.
5. Public Information & Education. Produce four newsletters. Presentations will be made on request. Monthly status reports and briefings to HRPDC Commission. Evaluate and maintain Environmental Education Clearinghouse.
6. Technical Assistance. Provide updated information and help to localities in comprehensive plan and ordinance updates and on environmental issues.
This project is a continuation of activities undertaken by the HRPDC through the VCZMP over the last twenty years. The Regional Coordination Process is integral to all of the program components, linking them into a comprehensive environmental planning program. Through this process, the HRPDC staff manages local government advisory committees addressing the VCZMP, Chesapeake Bay Program, SWAMP, land use and wetlands and coordinates them with local and regional initiatives in water supply, stormwater and wastewater management that are supported directly by the localities. Each of these programs was initially supported by VCZMP seed money. In addition to the programs noted above, it is not known what requests may evolve through the process during the course of the project. They reflect developing local needs and new state and federal initiatives. Through this project, the HRPDC also participates in the Coastal PDC networking process and its involvement in VCZMP and other state and federal environmental initiatives.
Federal Funding:
$60,000
Project Contact:
John M. Carlock - 757.420.8300; jcarlock@hrpdc.org
Project Status:
10/1/2006 - 9/30/2007; Project Completed
Final Product Received:
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
The "Regional Coastal Resources Management Program for Hampton Roads: Fiscal Year 2006-2007 Final Report" describes the environmental technical assistance program conducted by the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission during FY 2006-2007 (October 1, 2006 – September 30, 2007). It contains representative examples of the Agenda materials, reports, comment letters, newsletters and associated materials generated and used in assisting the region’s sixteen local governments. A downloadable PDF version of the report without appendices will be available at www.hrpdcva.gov
Through this Program, the HRPDC staff provides the following:
Environmental Impact Review: Approximately fifty-three (53) 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 continued.
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.
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
