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Virginia Beach oversight board reports steady progress and $73 million in grants for flood bond projects
Summary
The Flood Prevention Bond Referendum Oversight Board reported construction and design milestones across multiple bond projects, $73 million in awarded grants, a further $44 million planned for application, an $83 million low‑interest loan for Eastern Shore Drive, and a reduction in program estimates following a negotiated mega‑bundle price.
The Flood Prevention Bond Referendum Oversight Board briefed City Council on March 17 about program progress, grants and construction milestones tied to the $1.5‑billion bond approved by voters in 2021.
Jeff Waller, chair of the oversight board, said the bond program covers seven master projects with 21 subprojects and 10 support projects. Since September, staff and the board completed design work and moved several projects toward construction. “Bow Creek Stormwater Park phase one is under construction,” Waller said, and additional bundles including Eastern Shore Drive phases 1B–1E are in procurement or award phases.
Board member Scott Miller described personal experience of flooding in Windsor Oaks after Hurricane Matthew and emphasized the program's public‑facing communications: “That storm … drove the city to make some pretty bold and historic commitments to flood protection,” he said, adding that videos and monthly reports help residents follow progress.
Jacobs Engineering program manager Lysa Pico (presenting the city's program update) said the program had expended just under $150 million so far and spent roughly $50 million in 2025 alone; she also reported the program estimate declined from $1.552 billion to about $1.503 billion after negotiations on the Windsor Woods/Lakes/Princess Plaza mega‑bundle.
Pico outlined near‑term milestones: permitting and NEPA documents for several projects, requests for qualifications for the central resort district design‑build work, and construction procurement for Eastern Shore Drive phases that local leaders have flagged as high interest.
Why it matters: The bond program funds large‑scale flood mitigation projects that directly affect neighborhoods with a history of tidal and storm flooding. The board reported a substantial increase in public outreach metrics (videos and blogs), grant success and a mix of funding tools including grants and a low‑interest loan from the state Department of Conservation and Recreation.
What comes next: Staff will continue to advance design‑to‑construction milestones, finalize procurements for mega‑bundles, and coordinate pre‑construction community outreach and field trips to active project sites.
Board and staff stressed transparency and public outreach as keys to sustaining support and managing expectations about the scope and timing of protective benefits.
