November 5, 2026

The Ripple Effect: Mapping Federal Investments in Flood-Protection Work

See how stormwater upgrades and dredging efforts took shape across the city. 

Aerial view of neighborhood with creek running between it

Virginia Beach neighborhoods saw meaningful reductions in flood risk from stormwater and dredging projects funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

The act was passed in 2021 to support pandemic recovery and help communities invest in infrastructure. It provided $44.8 million that the City used to maintain and restore drainage systems and lake conditions.  
 
With the projects now complete and the allotted funding spent, let’s take a look at the accomplishments.

Lake Dredging: Digging Deep for Long-Term Flood Protection 

The City used $15 million in funding to complete dredging at 13 lakes. Crews hauled away more than 142,000 cubic yards of materials – enough to fill more than 43 Olympic-sized swimming pools!

Dredging is an important maintenance activity that helps restore the health, safety and function of lakes and canals. Benefits include:  

  • Improved water quality  
  • Restored water flow  
  • Reduced neighborhood flooding  
  • Erosion prevention   

Lakes that were dredged include:  

  • Chandler Creek Canal (District 10) 
  • Chapel Lake (District 6) 
  • Great Neck Lake #2 (District 8) 
  • Green Meadows Lake (District 10) 
  • Indian Lakes #2 (District 1) 
  • John B. Dey Lake (District 8) 
  • Lovetts Pond (District 8) 
  • Lynnhaven Mall Lake #1 (District 3) 
  • Lynnhaven Mall Lake #3 (District 3) 
  • Reedtown Lake (District 9) 
  • Rosemont Road Lake (District 10) 
  • Sabre Street Extended #1 (District 3) 
  • Salem Lakes #1 (District 10) 

Upgrades Completed Across 24 Neighborhoods 

Stormwater upgrades were carried out in 24 neighborhoods as part of the ARPA program. In total, $32.08 million in federal funding was used to improve aging stormwater systems and restore their capacity. Accomplishments include: 

  • More than 61 miles of stormwater pipes inspected using closed-circuit television technology.
  • More than 14 miles of stormwater pipes lined to restore proper flow and function.  

These drainage upgrades are part of the broader Flood Protection Program, which is designed to reduce flood risks, safeguard homes and businesses, and strengthen Virginia Beach for the future. Neighborhoods included: 

  • Bay Colony (District 6) 
  • Birchwood Gardens (District 8) 
  • Birdneck Point (District 6) 
  • Broad Bay Estates (District 8) 
  • Charlestowne Lakes South (District 7) 
  • Courthouse Estates (District 2) 
  • Foxfire (District 2) 
  • Great Neck Estates (District 8) 
  • Great Neck Meadows (District 6) 
  • Green Run (District 10) 
  • Groveland Park (District 8) 
  • Hillcrest Farms (District 2) 
  • Laurel Cove (District 8) 
  • Lynnhaven Colony (District 8) 
  • Pembroke Meadows (District 9) 
  • Red Mill Farm (District 5) 
  • Redwing (District 5) 
  • Rock Creek (District 10) 
  • Salem Villages (District 10) 
  • Seatack (District 6) 
  • Southgate (District 5) 
  • Thalia Manor (District 8) 
  • Three Oaks (District 2) 
  • Upton Estates (District 5) 


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.

Keep Reading

See All Posts