For Immediate Release: March 9, 2022

The City of Alexandria’s flood mitigation experts are encouraging residents to learn about local risks, what they can do to stay safe, and what the City is doing in observance of Virginia Flood Awareness Week from March 13 to 19.

Floods are one of the most common natural disasters in the United States and can happen anytime, threatening life, property and the economy. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation recognizes Virginia Flood Awareness Week in March to educate residents on flood risks.

The City marked Virginia Flood Awareness Week with a reading of a proclamation during a meeting on March 8.

The City’s future flood risk will increase as a result of rising sea levels and increased frequency and intensity of storms as stated by the City’s Environmental Action Plan 2040 and included in the “Climate Emergency” resolution adopted by City Council on October 22, 2019.

Like other national and global communities, the City has experienced more intense storm events with large volumes of rainfall coming down in short periods of time that overwhelm storm sewer systems and cause flash flooding. The City has experienced such events more recently in 2019 and multiple events in 2020 that have greatly impacted property owners.

In response to repeated flooding, the City launched the Flood Action Alexandria initiative coordinating a team of experts across multiple departments and consultants to mitigate flooding issues. The team is advised by the Ad Hoc Stormwater Utility and Flood Mitigation Advisory Group, a City Council-appointed group of residents who work collaboratively with the City in flood mitigation activities.

“Over the next 10 years, we will invest $281 million to overhaul drainage infrastructure, thus improving the quality of life for everyone in Alexandria,” said Daniel Medina, program manager for Flood Action Alexandria. “Together, City staff and residents can reduce the negative impact of floods and increase the resilience of the City.”

Follow on social media @AlexandriaVATES for information during Virginia Flood Awareness Week.

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This news release is available at alexandriava.gov/go/3404.