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Council warned marsh‑restoration project in Back Bay stalled by permitting over submerged aquatic vegetation
Summary
Vice mayor and staff said the Marsh Restoration Project to reduce Back Bay flood risk is at a standstill after permitting agencies found submerged aquatic vegetation; council heard the project is seen as the most feasible long‑term option for southern flood risk reduction and was urged to brief state legislators.
Council members were briefed on delays to a Marsh Restoration Project in the Back Bay/Albemarle watershed intended to reduce flood risk in southern Virginia Beach. Staff and council said permitting stalled after regulators identified submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) in the project area, raising the risk that a permit will not be issued and leaving the city without a near‑term alternative to address recurring wind‑driven coastal flooding.
Why it matters: Staff described the project as the most feasible option identified in an initial feasibility assessment to slow water and reduce extreme flood heights in the Back Bay watershed. Council was told the project would likely take years even if permitted and that, without action, neighborhoods and schools in affected southern districts could be repeatedly disrupted by flooding. One council member recommended rapidly sharing the study with state legislators and planning an expanded public outreach effort to explain tradeoffs.
Technical and policy notes: The briefing said marsh loss over decades (roughly 2,000 acres referenced in staff remarks) has increased open water and flood exposure. Staff noted that other engineered solutions (pumps, new outlets) are unlikely to get permits or are cost‑prohibitive. Council asked staff to coordinate with state legislators, continue outreach to affected neighborhoods, and evaluate interim resilience measures such as ensuring residents have insurance information and emergency plans.
Ending: The council directed staff to escalate legislative briefings and public communication about the project’s status and alternative mitigation needs; no formal funding decision was requested or made tonight.
