The Ripple Effect: First Quarter 2025 Update on the Flood Protection Program

The Flood Prevention Bond Referendum Oversight Board (FPBROB) and Jacobs Engineering delivered the quarterly status report on the Flood Protection Program (FPP) to City Council on March 18. In case you missed it, here are three key takeaways. 

Project Updates Show Significant Advances  

Flood Protection Projects are making steady progress, and several milestones were reached this quarter.  

• Thirty-three percent of projects have been baselined (evaluated for cost, schedule and scope).  
• Six projects have moved forward a phase in their project cycle, including:  
  • The Central Resort District preliminary engineering report is on track for submittal by the end of March. 
  • The Eastern Shore Drive Drainage Improvements bundle is at 100% design.  
  • Construction is set to begin at the First Colonial Road and Oceana Boulevard Drainage Improvement project at the end of March.  
  • For the Lake Bradford/Chubb Lake pump station and outfall, a firm has been selected and Notice of Intent issued.   

Challenges to many projects are being met and successfully mitigated, including cost increases, utility coordination and more. Strategies to alleviate issues involve public outreach and frequent, proactive communication with utilities and contractors. Issues with environmental permitting delays are affecting a majority of the projects in the Southern Rivers Watershed, such as the Pungo Ferry Road Improvement and Back Bay Marsh Restoration projects.  

Looking ahead to the next quarter, the Windsor Woods Tide Gate project will be substantially complete, which is cause for celebration! 

Encouraging Signs in Economic and Market Trends 

Leisha Pica, P.E., with Jacobs Engineering, receives information from a staff economist every quarter regarding the global supply chain and market trends and presented information on how they affect the Flood Protection Program projects. The good news is:  

• The markets for steel and other base metals used in the projects are favorable.  

• Oil prices and transportation costs are forecasted to trend down over the next two years. 

• Ocean freight reliability has significantly improved compared to COVID levels.  

These trends suggest pricing stability, reducing built-in risk for construction bids over the next five years.  
 
Program spending is currently at $107.2 million, an increase of $6.9 million since last quarter. A majority of that, $84.8 million, is from the Windsor Woods/Princess Anne Park/The Lakes project bundle. The City continues to seek grant funding and has been awarded $66 million with $51 million in future submittals.  

Public Engagement Remains Strong

Residents have numerous opportunities to learn more about the Flood Protection Program. Over 30 videos have been created and are available to view on the City’s YouTube channel. In addition, blog posts on program projects are posted at least monthly and are shared via social media channels and in the City’s Be In the Know newsletter.  

Jeff Waller, chair of the Flood Protection Bond Referendum Oversight Board, provided information on Board meetings, which are held on the second Thursday of the month at Town Center and are open to the public. Members report quarterly to City Council, addressing the more than 40 projects included in Phase 1 of the Flood Protection Program. To learn more visit VirginiaBeach.gov/RippleEffect. 
 

The Virginia Beach Flood Protection Program — The Ripple Effect — is a comprehensive 10-year plan to address recurrent flooding in Virginia Beach. In November 2021, Virginia Beach voters overwhelmingly supported a resiliency package for several key flood protection initiatives to include drainage improvements, tide gates, pump stations and flood barriers throughout the city. The projects are led by Public Works with support from a community oversight board for transparency and accountability. Learn more at VirginiaBeach.gov/RippleEffect.