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HJ 434

Coastal storm risk management studies; non-federal sponsor contributions by localities.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Michael Feggans and 1 co-sponsor

HJ434 directs JLARC to study how non-federal cost shares for Virginia coastal storm risk projects are set, and to propose a fair methodology and possible dedicated fund.

Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ434ER)
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Bill Summary · HJ 434

Summary — HJ 434 (2025)

Title: Coastal storm risk management studies; non-federal sponsor contributions by localities
Status: Enrolled (passed House and Senate — HJ434ER)
Introduced/Prefiled: January 3, 2025; Offered January 13, 2025
Agreed to by House: February 3, 2025; Agreed to by Senate: February 18, 2025

Purpose

HJ 434 directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) to study how non‑federal sponsor contributions (i.e., local and state shares) are determined for coastal storm risk management studies in Virginia. The study is intended to produce a recommended methodology for apportioning costs and to consider creation of a dedicated fund to support local cost‑share requests.

Background/context

  • Coastal flooding and storm events are identified as recurrent risks to life, property, commerce, and public services.
  • Examples cited in the resolution: estimated implementation cost for the Norfolk study is $2.6 billion; the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. coastal storm risk management feasibility study is estimated to cost impacted localities $15.2 million; other regional studies (Virginia Beach, Northern Virginia, Virginia Peninsula) are ongoing.
  • Typical non‑federal cost‑share for partnership and implementation of coastal risk reduction projects is noted as approximately 35% of total project cost.
  • The Chief Resilience Officer (per §2.2‑220.5) may serve as a non‑federal sponsor and pursue funding.

Key provisions / required JLARC work

JLARC must:
1. Examine methodologies and criteria other states (if any) use to apportion monetary responsibility between states and participating localities for coastal storm risk management studies and implementation costs.
2. Develop a recommended methodology and any additional criteria to divide costs in Virginia. This recommendation must include prioritization principles for projects that:
- reflect community and regional scale planning;
- protect and enhance nature‑based approaches;
- address socioeconomic inequities; and
- enhance equity through flood resilience and preparedness (consistent with subsection B of §10.1‑658 of the Code of Virginia).
3. Consider whether to establish a stand‑alone fund to support and manage cost‑share requests from non‑federal sponsors for coastal storm risk management studies.

  • All Commonwealth agencies must assist JLARC upon request.

Timeline and reporting

  • JLARC shall complete its meetings for the first year by November 30, 2027, and for the second year by November 30, 2028 (enrolled version).
  • The JLARC chairman must submit an executive summary of findings and recommendations to the Division of Legislative Automated Systems no later than the first day of the next Regular Session of the General Assembly each year. Each executive summary must state whether JLARC intends to submit a full report for publication. Reports and summaries must be processed per legislative procedures and posted on the General Assembly website.

Who is affected / potential impact

  • Localities participating (or considering participation) in coastal storm risk management studies — potential changes in how much they must contribute toward study and implementation costs.
  • State agencies and the Chief Resilience Officer — may be called on to provide assistance and could be given a greater coordinating/financial role.
  • Policy outcomes could influence prioritization of projects (favoring regional planning, nature‑based solutions, and equity considerations) and could lead to creation of a dedicated state fund to help localities meet non‑federal cost shares.

Legislative procedure

HJ 434 is a House Joint Resolution (non‑statutory) that passed both chambers and is enrolled. It mandates a JLARC study and reporting rather than creating immediate new spending or statutory obligations.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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