The Virginia Chapter of the American Planning
Association (APA Virginia) has named the City of Virginia Beach the Resilient
Virginia Community of the Year for its Sea Level Wise planning project.
Dewberry provided project
management and primary technical support work on the planning project.
The Virginia Chapter of the American Planning
Association (APA Virginia) has named the City of Virginia Beach the Resilient
Virginia Community of the Year for its Sea Level Wise planning project.
Dewberry, a privately held professional services firm, provided project
management and primary technical support work on the planning project.
The firm began by assessing the vulnerability and flood
risk exposure of city assets and critical infrastructure for existing and
potential sea level rise scenarios. Using this impact assessment, the firm
developed planning, policy, and engineered flood risk reduction measures to
mitigate short- and long-term risks.
“It is very rewarding to see this critical product
for the city’s future honored by this award. This outcome reflects a great
partnership, as well as everyone’s passion and commitment over a five-year
journey to overcome the challenges of a very complex project,” says Dewberry
Senior Coastal Scientist Brian Batten, Ph.D., CFM.
The firm was acknowledged for using ArcGIS Story Maps
for its presentation and making information on the project and flooding effects
easily accessible by Virginia Beach citizens. The data will be continually
assessed, and effects of this project will be seen for years to come as the
city makes decisions on where best to prioritize funds to mitigate floods.