05/30/2023
(Norfolk, VA) May 30, 2023-The Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) recently held its annual conference in Raleigh, NC, where they honored outstanding achievements in floodplain management. The City of Norfolk proudly received the prestigious James Lee Witt Local Award for Excellence in Floodplain Management for their remarkable Ohio Creek Watershed Project.
The James Lee Witt Local Award for Excellence in Floodplain Management, established by ASFPM, recognizes exceptional programs or activities that demonstrate excellence in floodplain management. Local governments, including cities, towns, counties, and certain regional entities, compete annually for this esteemed award. Eligible entries can showcase an overall program or a specific project that exemplifies the best practices in floodplain management.
The Ohio Creek Watershed Project, which received a $112 million grant from the Commonwealth of Virginia through the Department of Housing and Community Development, is a groundbreaking initiative undertaken by the City of Norfolk. This project addresses the challenges faced by the area through a distributed, replicable, and community-oriented approach to resiliency. By engaging coastal residents as active participants in water management, the project creates an integrated flood control system. This system not only manages excess water but also incorporates green spaces that act as filters to remove pollutants, while providing recreational amenities and natural walking trails that reconnect neighborhoods. The Resilience Park, a central component of the project, serves as a model for resilient open spaces, uniquely designed for Norfolk. It includes an earthen berm, a restored tidal creek and wetland, multi-use sports fields, and community gathering spaces. The anticipated completion date for the Ohio Creek Watershed Project is May 2023.
Being recognized with the James Lee Witt Local Award for Excellence in Floodplain Management reaffirms Norfolk's position as a national leader in resilience. The City is committed to advancing ASFPM's strategic initiatives, which include educating policymakers on effective floodplain management policies, enhancing floodplain managers' knowledge through the Certified Floodplain Manager (CFM) certification program, organizing professional development and training events, conducting applied research, promoting emerging technologies, and developing comprehensive tools to address all aspects of flooding and floodplain management. Norfolk is dedicated to increasing international awareness on flooding and reducing flood-related losses.
ASFPM, headquartered in Madison, Wisconsin, boasts a diverse membership of 7,000 individuals, including local, state, and federal floodplain managers, governmental officials, industry representatives, researchers from higher education institutions, professionals from non-profit organizations, and other interested individuals. Together with their chapter members, corporate partners, and agency partners, ASFPM strives to advance floodplain management practices and foster collaboration across various sectors.
The City of Norfolk is honored to receive the James Lee Witt Local Award for Excellence in Floodplain Management and remains committed to promoting resilience and implementing innovative solutions to address the challenges posed by flooding in their community.
Photo: Abhi Ahmadadeen
An eroded road caused by tidal flooding in a residential community along the Lafayette River, Norfolk VA.