HAMPTON, Va. — More than $1 million will help fund flood-resilient projects as part of the "Resilient Hampton" initiative.
Long-time Hampton resident Roger Winston has seen his fair share of flooding around his property.
“Water rises up in my backyard as much 4, about 4 feet,” he said.
Winston is one of the many residents who live near Newmarket Creek. It’s an area known to flood. That’s why Winston says he actively advocates for his community.
“Our neighborhood is like a family to us,” he said. “We want help.”
“Approximately, 37,000 Hampton citizens live within the 100-year floodplain,” Hampton Mayor Donnie Tuck said.
Tuck said 30% of those residents are 65 and older or impoverished. City leaders hope $1.3 million can be part of the solution. The funds will help support the city’s "Resilient Hampton" initiative.
“It will allow us to voluntarily acquire, I want to emphasize that, voluntarily acquire flood-prone and environmentally sensitive properties,” said Hampton City Manager Mary Bunting.
It’s something they’ve done with this property. The city purchased it after the homeowners agreed to move because of constant flooding. This plot of land now absorbs extra water and provides access to Newmarket Creek. Congressman Bobby Scott helped to secure the federal funds and presented the check to city leaders Wednesday.
“A lot of the families are kind of stuck because they can’t move. So, they’re just vulnerable to the repeated flooding,” Scott said.
He calls this effort a win for the neighborhood and a win for property owners looking to move out of the floodplain.
Bunting said this project can help the city get a better score on the Community Rating System. She said a high city score means lower insurance premiums for residents.