Virginia House Bill HB1970

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/23
• Refer: 1/10/23

Caption

Virginia Coastal Resilience Technical Advisory Committee; renames Committee.

Impact

The bill directly influences existing state laws related to flood management and local government planning. By mandating the Department of Environmental Quality and the Virginia Resilience Technical Advisory Committee to coordinate with various federal, state, and local flood prevention programs, HB1970 seeks to establish a holistic and unified approach to managing flood risks across the Commonwealth. The implementation of a comprehensive flood protection strategy is expected to minimize property damage and improve public safety, addressing a critical issue given Virginia's vulnerability to flooding events.

Summary

House Bill 1970 aims to enhance Virginia's approach to flood protection through the establishment of a Virginia Coastal Resilience Technical Advisory Committee. This committee is tasked with developing and implementing a Virginia Flood Protection Master Plan that incorporates community-specific strategies to mitigate flooding based on the latest scientific data. The bill emphasizes the importance of considering socioeconomic disparities in flood-prone areas and integrating natural infrastructure solutions wherever feasible. It requires a comprehensive and location-specific inventory of local flood vulnerabilities, mitigation strategies, and community involvement in the planning process.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB1970 include concerns over the balance between state oversight and local control in flood management efforts. Critics may argue that while statewide coordination is essential, it could encroach on local governments' ability to address unique community needs and develop customized flood mitigation strategies. Advocates for the bill counter that consolidating resources and expertise will ultimately empower localities by providing them with better data and technical support for their flood management efforts.