Hampton Leaders Question $4.2 Billion Flood-Protection Plan
By John Womeldorf, Mr. Williamsburg
Although I primarily sell homes in Williamsburg, Virginia, I field plenty of questions about communities throughout the Peninsula and Hampton Roads—especially about flooding, insurance and long-term property risks.
A recent article by Jim Morrison of the Virginia Mercury examines a proposed $4.2 billion U.S. Army Corps of Engineers flood-risk management plan for Hampton and Poquoson. The plan calls for voluntarily elevating nearly 4,000 homes and floodproofing dozens of commercial buildings and critical public facilities.
Hampton officials, however, have serious concerns about the proposal. The city’s share could approach $1.5 billion, and local leaders question whether there are enough contractors—or available funding—to elevate approximately 300 homes annually.
Officials are also pushing for a more comprehensive study that considers structural protections such as floodwalls and levees. The original study was intended to include Newport News, Williamsburg, James City County and York County, but federal time and funding limits narrowed it to Hampton and Poquoson and largely excluded structural solutions.
The Army Corps estimates that Hampton and Poquoson could face approximately $10 billion in future flood damage without additional protections. However, critics caution that raising houses alone will not protect surrounding streets, utilities and drainage infrastructure—nor fully address flooding caused by increasingly intense rainfall.
Although this proposal applies specifically to Hampton and Poquoson, flooding, drainage, insurance costs and aging infrastructure are concerns for homeowners throughout the Virginia Peninsula. If you are considering buying or selling a home in Williamsburg, Yorktown, Poquoson, Hampton or elsewhere in Coastal or Central Virginia, I would be happy to help you understand the community, the property and the questions you should ask before making a decision.
John Womeldorf — Mr. Williamsburg
Realtor®, Liz Moore & Associates
Call or text: 757-254-8136
Email: john@mrwilliamsburg.com
Website: MrWilliamsburg.com
Serving clients through offices in Williamsburg, Newport News/Oyster Point, Richmond/Short Pump, Virginia Beach and Kilmarnock, with coverage throughout the Peninsula and Northern Neck.
Full credit for the original reporting goes to Jim Morrison and the Virginia Mercury:
Read “Hampton leaders cool to limited Army Corps flood solutions”
John Womeldorf is a Realtor with Liz Moore & Associates and the creator of MrWilliamsburg.com, serving Williamsburg, the Peninsula, Richmond, Virginia Beach and the Northern Neck.