Mayor Justin Wilson, City Of Alexandria | City Of Alexandria website
Mayor Justin Wilson, City Of Alexandria | City Of Alexandria website
The City of Alexandria is urging residents to enhance their understanding of local flood risks as part of the Virginia Flood Awareness Week, which will be observed from March 9 to March 15, 2025. This initiative aims to promote awareness about flood risks and encourage the purchase of flood insurance for family and property protection.
The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation marks this week annually in March, emphasizing the significance of understanding flood risks. Residents are advised that flood insurance can be obtained through a homeowner's insurance broker or directly from FEMA. The city's efforts in managing its floodplain exceed the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) minimum standards, offering up to a 20 percent discount on premiums for property owners.
A proclamation will be read during the City Council Legislative Meeting on March 25, 2025, as part of recognizing Virginia Flood Awareness Week.
In recent years, Alexandria has experienced severe storm events intensified by climate change. These storms have been addressed in the City's Environmental Action Plan 2040 and were acknowledged in the Climate Emergency resolution adopted by the City Council on October 22, 2019.
To counteract these challenges, Alexandria launched the Flood Action Alexandria initiative in 2021. This program coordinates experts across various departments and external consultants to address flooding issues through capital projects and maintenance programs. It includes a grant program providing matching reimbursement grants up to $5,000 for property owners and up to $25,000 for condominium and homeowner associations investing in eligible floodproofing measures.
An advisory group appointed by the City Council works with city staff on mitigation activities. Initially established as an ad hoc group on January 26, 2021, it became a permanent committee named Stormwater Utility and Flood Mitigation Advisory Committee on December 16, 2023.
Since its inception, Flood Action Alexandria has completed several neighborhood improvement projects targeting localized flooding issues. Design work is underway for major initiatives like the Commonwealth, Ashby, and Glebe Flood Mitigation Project.
Residents are encouraged to follow updates on capital projects via the digital Project Dashboard and stay informed during Virginia Flood Awareness Week through social media channels managed by the City’s Department of Transportation and Environmental Services.
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