Virginia Coastal Program: 2006 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary
Project Task:
FY 2006 Task 48
Grantee:
Richmond Regional Planning District Commission
Project Title:
Coastal Technical Assistance Programt
Project Description as Proposed:
The Richmond Regional Planning District Commission will provide policy and planning support to member localities:
1) GIS Data Support:
Generally, the RRPDC will provide GIS analysis of existing and future land uses by using locally adopted land use plans and aerial photography. Geographical data distribution and maps of environmental resource features will be made available via the PDC's GIS data server. Staff will also maintain existing databases including but not limited to floodplains, wetlands, steep slopes, highly erodible soils, soils for septic suitability, wildfire threats, existing public greenway and blueway features, and impervious surfaces.
2) Environmental Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Support:
The RRPDC will work with the region’s Environmental TAC to develop an environmental work program. PDC staff will host periodic meetings of the TAC to implement components of the work program. These meetings will offer at least four training opportunities for member localities to learn about new environmental programs and regulations related to coastal resource management. Meeting schedules and agendas will be posted on the PDC website.
3) Local Government Technical Assistance:
The RRPDC will assist local governments with their 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 efforts as requested. In addition to routine technical assistance, RRPDC will undertake a special project or study in order to analyze a coastal resource management issue important to the region or to a particular locality. The project may focus on watershed planning or an alternate issue as identified by the Environmental TAC.
4) Public and Private Agencies/Commissions Liaison:
The 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, and the Local Government Advisory Committee.
Federal Funding:
$30,000
Project Contact:
Jackie Stewart - 804.367.6001; jstewart@richmondregional.org
Project Status:
10/1/2006 - 9/30/2007; Project Completed
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 for training opportunities and discussion of environmental issues with local and state environmental staff. In October, RRPDC staff hosted a half-day Groundwater Resources Forum with several presentations by DEQ staff to teach local staff about groundwater resources including how groundwater is permitted and what the capacity is of the aquifers in the coastal province. Also in October, a representative from the James River Association gave a presentation on its study of local codes and ordinances in the James River watershed especially those in the Richmond region and how these codes work to protect water quality. In February, HRPDC staff gave a presentation to a joint meeting of Crater and RRPDC Environmental TAC on how to create a network of conservation corridors through green infrastructure planning. In June 2007, RRPDC staff presented findings on recreational access on the Chickahominy River to a sub-committee of the Environmental TAC. The group also discussed strategies in developing blueways and increased public access to the water along the Chickahominy as part of the development of aRRPDC study. Local Government Technical Assistance – RRPDC staff completed 54 environmental reviews of federal, state and local projects during this period. RRPDC staff participated on a committee for LID demonstration grants in Chesterfield County to develop the grant RFP and selection criteria. RRPDC staff completed a study on the availability of public access to the Chickahominy River and the potential for ecotourism and blueway development. The Chickahominy River Recreational Access Study described in the products section below was developed as this grant year’s special project. Public and Private Agencies/Commissions Liaison – RRPDC staff participated in the following meetings, strategy sessions or work groups: James River Advisory Council (JRAC) meetings, a Middle James Roundtable meeting, Virginia Regional Environmental Management Systems (V-REMS) meetings and conference calls, a James River Association steering committee meeting for a proposed John Smith Trail on the Chickahominy River, a Local Government Advisory Committee of the Chesapeake Bay Executive Council meeting, Virginia Coastal Committee meetings and VAPDC environmental committee meetings. GIS Data Support and Maps – RRPDC staff created a series of environmental features’ maps to be incorporated into the Charles City County Comprehensive Land Use Plan including analysis of various soil types, wetlands, floodplains, sand and gravel deposits, agricultural and forestry resources, and species habitats, among others. GIS Data Support also created draft maps of the Chickahominy River watershed for this year’s special project. Products: Chickahominy River Recreational Access Study – The study includes an inventory of known access sites to the water, local, state and national plans for the waterway, examples of blueway development in the state, and recommendations for site development and improvements. The report also includes a brief description of natural and cultural resources within the watershed and the potential for ecotourism. The report was reviewed by the staff members of area localities and is intended to assist localities and stakeholders in taking further steps to create a blueway along the Chickahominy River. Find listed in publications section of RRPDC website under “Reports” and study name – www.richmondregional.org/Publications/publications.htm and at www.richmondregional.org/Planning/pist.htm under the “Environmental” tab. |
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
