Virginia 2024 Regular Session

Virginia House Bill HJR55

Introduced

1/10/24

Refer

1/10/24

Caption

Recurrent Flooding, Joint Subcommittee on; study continued.

Impact

Should HJR55 be adopted, it will likely establish a continuing framework for the Commonwealth's engagement with flooding-related challenges. This resolution signifies a commitment to public safety and the health of communities prone to flooding, linking the ongoing legislative efforts to broader initiatives in disaster preparedness. The subcommittee is tasked with collecting valuable data and formulating both short-term and long-term strategies which can lead to actionable policies that influence local zoning laws and emergency management plans effective for mitigating flooding risks.

Summary

HJR55, known as the Joint Subcommittee on Recurrent Flooding, is a resolution extending the work of a legislative body initially established to address issues related to recurrent flooding in coastal Virginia. The resolution builds on recommendations from various studies, including one by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, which highlighted the increasing threat of recurrent flooding in Tidewater and Eastern Shore locales. The Joint Subcommittee aims to improve statewide coordination and planning to mitigate flooding impacts, encouraging a comprehensive approach for long-term resilience and adaptation strategies.

Contention

While the bill has garnered bipartisan support, it is not without opposition. Potential points of contention include concerns regarding the adequacy of funding and resources allocated for the subcommittee's proposed studies and mitigation plans. Some stakeholders argue that the shared responsibilities between state and local governments could lead to complications in execution, as localities may feel sidelined in crucial decision-making processes that directly impact their communities. Moreover, the success of this initiative hinges upon the collaboration and cooperation of a diverse range of local entities and community members.