Leaders float plan to find ways to deal with sea rise

By Aaron Applegate
The Virginian-Pilot
© March 21, 2014

The studies are in. The water is rising. But what to do?

Regional leaders took a step forward Thursday on sea level rise, agreeing to form a special committee to make recommendations for action.

That could include developing policies for localities and serving as a conduit for potential federal funds, said Ben McFarlane, a planner at the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission, the regional body that will spearhead the effort. The commission's executive committee voted to create the new group.

Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms requested it.

"It's real simple," he said. "We have a major issue out there. This is something that isn't going to change, and we have to figure out how to deal with it."

While predictions vary, McFarlane told regional leaders that water levels could rise 5 feet by 2100.

Hampton Roads has one of the highest sea level rise rates in the country, about half of which is the result of subsidence, or sinking land.

The frequency and severity of flooding has increased.

The regional committee mirrors a similar effort at the state level to address rising water. Legislation to form a state committee, co-sponsored by Del. Chris Stolle of Virginia Beach, is awaiting the governor's approval.

The state has no official strategy for dealing with sea level rise, and no state agency has responsibility for it.

The formation of the committees is fueled by the belief that sea level rise is too big an issue for localities to tackle on their own.

"It's time for the region to work together," said Ron Williams Jr., a Norfolk assistant city manager. "It's one of the most critical issues for the 21st century."

Leaders hope a united region and state will make it easier to attract federal money.

Sessoms said it's time for action.

"We're getting nowhere right now," he said.

"We need stakeholders at the table. This is something bigger than local or state. This is federal. The last thing you want to do is go to Washington, D.C., and not have your ducks in a row."

Aaron Applegate, 757-222-5122,aaron.applegate@pilotonline.com

http://hamptonroads.com/2014/03/lead...-deal-sea-rise