Project Task:

10

Grantee:

Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

Project Title:

Virginia NEMO Program Implementation in Coastal Zone

Project Description as Proposed:

Funding through this grant will be used to support the implementation of the Virginia Healthy Waters Initiative (HWI) and the Virginia Network for Education of Municipal Officials Program (VNEMO). In addition, this grant will provide direct support to the Planning District Commissions (PDCs) and localities requesting assistance through extended VCZM Sustainable Community Planning Focal Area projects and section 309 environmental enhancement strategies. Assistance is expected to be requested in the areas of blue/green infrastructure planning, planning for adaptation to climate change, coastal community development, water quality and natural resource based planning, and working waterfronts. These funds will support the efforts to further develop and implement the Virginia Healthy Waters Initiative, as it applies to advancing the Sustainable Community Planning focal area and interpretation and delivery of tools and products of the Natural Heritage Division at the VDCR such as the Virginia Ecological Values Assessment (VEVA) in the Coastal Zone of Virginia. Additional support may be provided for assisting with the implementation of the Chesapeake Bay TMDL Phase 2 Watershed Implementation Plan with respect to addressing Section 306 or 309 water quality strategies. 

An Environmental Analyst will be retained through a contractural arrangement with the Center for Environmental Studies (CES) located at Virginia Commonwealth University. The individual will continue to work directly with DCR staff and have access to the facilities and expertise of CES as well. The position also serves as a liaison between DCR and the Center for Environmental Studies at VCU to promote joint, applied research and outreach projects. This includes the oversight of programs, projects, grants and grant budgets, providing technical support to VDCR Division of Soil and Water and the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program, as it relates to coastal zone ecology, management, and restoration. Through the VCU, the HWI and VNEMO Programs will have access to the GIS Section of the Life Sciences Department for CommunityViz technical assistance for local projects. 

This position will also continue to participate in state, local, or federal working groups as needed with regard to coastal nonpoint source pollution issues and as the VDCR deems necessary.  During this grant period, VCU and VDCR will seek additional funding to support the expansion of the VNEMO Program to meet the demand in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. In addition, the Program Manager will prepare semiannual and annual reports and other technical documents.

Federal Funding:

$27,000

Project Contact:

Todd Janeski, 804.371.8984; tvjaneski@vcu.edu

Project Status:

10/1/2011 - 9/30/2012

Final Product Received:

 

Project Summary Provided by Grantee:

 

 

 

 

Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Laura McKay, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4323 or email: Laura.McKay@deq.virginia.gov

A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov