Norfolk, Virginia, became the first city in the state to ask for help in putting together a plan for adapting to sea level rise.  In its legislative priorities request to the General Assembly's upcoming session, the city of Norfolk is asking the state to, "Conduct a one-year study to examine the overall effectiveness of current adaptation efforts to address relative sea level rise and coastal flooding in Virginia’s shoreline and coastal communities."

The need for this study is clear and laid out in the request: "Virginia local governments lack the ability to integrate comprehensive coastal shoreline planning efforts to address the impending relative sea level rise. The complexity of defining problem and solution necessitates a more proactive approach to better understanding our state’s current dilemma."

Federal agencies are starting to work on this issue and can provide assistance..if the state asks.  Passing this measure will be a significant step forward for the tidal reaches of Virginia and other local governments should get on board with this request.