Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

The meeting agenda included a call to order, adoption of the agenda, and adoption of the minutes from the September 10, 2025 meeting. Key discussion topics involved recommendations from the Joint Subcommittee on Recurrent Flooding, updates from the Chief Resilience Officer and the Department of Conservation and Recreation, a review of the Virginia Flood Protection Master Plan including its evaluation framework and goals, updates from committee members, and time reserved for public comment. Specific updates included CFPF Grant History data (208 total grants awarded across Rounds 1-5 totaling $201M), current CFPF loan demand, and the summary of Round 6 applications. Progress on the Coastal Resilience Master Plan, Phase II, including opportunities for implementation efforts, was also reviewed.

The meeting included the adoption of the agenda and previous minutes. Key discussions focused on recommendations from the Joint Subcommittee on Flooding, which included codification of a Habitat Committee, proposed changes to the Resilient Virginia Revolving Loan Fund, adoption of Beneficial Reuse policy, and new Precipitation Design Standards directing SWCB to use NOAA Atlas 15. Updates were provided by the Chief Resilience Officer on the Virginia Office of Resilience vision and hazard identification. DCR staff provided updates on Dam Safety Regulations, the status of the Coastal Resilience Master Plan Phase II, and detailed metrics discussions for the Virginia Flood Protection Master Plan (VFPMP) Goals A, B, and C, focusing on injuries/fatalities, property damage, economic impact, and state funding investment. Committee members provided updates on FEMA's BRIC Program status, Virginia Stormwater Management Handbook review, VDOT's resilience tools and nature-based solutions pilot, and ODU variance permit.

The meeting included updates on the TMPD. Key discussion points included the development of a state trails plan, establishing a resource hub, and creating a trail type and surface selection guide. The meeting also covered the allocation of funding to specific regional trail projects across the state, totaling roughly $86 million, split between six projects identified as general assembly trails. Updates were provided on the Eastern Shore Rail Trail, including segments under construction and design. The ongoing transportation alternatives grant program was also discussed, highlighting the significant portion of trail projects in the applications.

The meeting focused on VDOT's resilience plan, including its objectives, data-driven approach, stakeholder engagement, and identification of at-risk infrastructure. The discussion covered vulnerability assessments, resilience measures, feasibility and cost-benefit analysis, and funding opportunities such as the Protect program. The goal is to develop cost-effective ways to address resilience, incorporate resilience into existing business practices, and coordinate with stakeholders.

The meeting discussed the master plan process for Hybridge Trail State Park, focusing on proposed facilities. Topics included the purpose of the meeting, an introduction to Virginia State Parks, an overview of current park facilities, the planning process, results of a public input survey and market analysis, the visitor experience plan, master planning goals, and the proposed phased development plan. The discussion also covered the need to increase park staffing as new facilities come online. Public feedback was encouraged on the proposed mission statement, interpretive themes, visitor experiences, and development plan.