New Resilience Tool Launches in Historic Triangle, VA

News Summary

The Resilience Adaptation Feasibility Tool (RAFT) is being launched in Virginia’s Historic Triangle to enhance community resilience against climate-related challenges. Developed collaboratively by the University of Virginia, Old Dominion University, and Virginia Tech, RAFT aims to provide vital resources for local towns and counties to combat flooding and other environmental threats. With community assessments and workshops planned, this initiative seeks comprehensive solutions for vulnerable areas, addressing immediate resilience needs while also tackling issues like affordable housing and wastewater infrastructure.

WILLIAMSBURG, VA – A new initiative called the Resilience Adaptation Feasibility Tool (RAFT) is set to launch in the Historic Triangle region of Virginia, aiming to strengthen community resilience against flooding and various climate-related challenges. This program will provide Virginia’s coastal towns, cities, and counties with the necessary resources to address environmental, economic, and social hazards effectively.

RAFT, a collaborative effort from the University of Virginia (UVA), Old Dominion University, and Virginia Tech, showcases a comprehensive approach to building resilience in vulnerable communities. The tool was initially developed in 2015 through a partnership between UVA’s Institute for Engagement and Negotiation and William & Mary Law School’s Virginia Coastal Policy Center.

Previously, RAFT has been successfully implemented in Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Northern Neck, and Middle Peninsula, benefiting towns that faced similar climate risks. The program’s pilot project commenced in 2017, specifically in Portsmouth, Gloucester County, and Cape Charles, allowing stakeholders to refine the tool before its wider application.

The program consists of an 18-month process, beginning with community assessments, followed by citizen engagement through workshops, and culminating in a year-long implementation phase for actionable solutions. Each community will undergo evaluations through interviews, surveys, and focus groups to identify immediate resilience needs.

Initial assessments indicated that Williamsburg, James City County, and York County have high resilience scores, with each area scoring 74% or higher. Notably, York County achieved an 81% score, while James City County was close behind at 79%. Both counties exhibited strength in emergency management, planning, and community engagement; however, they also highlighted concerns, particularly regarding stormwater management, flooding mitigation, and the need for improved wastewater infrastructure.

Across the Historic Triangle, a pressing need for affordable housing emerged as a common concern. This underscores the program’s expansion, which now covers not only storm hazards but also deep-rooted economic and social challenges that communities face.

RAFT’s collaboration has extended beyond the initial focus areas, currently involving partnerships with the Rappahannock and Nansemond Indian tribes and various communities in Southwest Virginia. The outreach efforts include previous collaborations with cities such as Hopewell and Petersburg, highlighting the tool’s adaptability to different community needs.

To kick off the process in the Historic Triangle, a community resilience workshop is scheduled for August 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the James City County Recreation Center. This event is open to all residents of Williamsburg, James City County, and York County, encouraging community participation and input into the resilience planning process.

The RAFT implementation is anticipated to commence in September, providing an opportunity for local communities to engage in proactive measures aimed at enhancing their adaptability to the ever-evolving challenges posed by climate change. As the Historic Triangle prepares for these efforts, local stakeholders look to solidify a framework for sustainable and resilient growth moving forward.

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Additional Resources

• Daily Press: Program Could Help Historic Triangle Improve its Response to Climate Issues
• Wikipedia: Climate Change
• Arup: From Risk to Resilience: The Intersection Between Climate Change and Safety
• Google Search: Urban Resilience
• MyJoyOnline: West African Cities Embrace Risk Informed Planning
• Google Scholar: Climate Resilience
• Nature: [Article Title]
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Environmental Hazards
• ScienceDirect: [Article Title]
• Google News: Resilience Planning