Between two projects, over $5 million of funding from the American Rescue Plan will go directly to fixing flood-related incidents.
Funding from one of the Biden administration’s stimulus packages, the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), may help tackle Alexandria’s flooding problems.
In the first set of approved funding, city council members said they focused on spending that achieves four recovery goals and general COVID expenses. The four goals are building thriving businesses, universal access to necessities, cultural engagement, and long-term community investment. And part of that last goal includes “flash flooding spot improvements” and “storm water state of good repair and resiliency.”
Between the two projects, over $5 million–nearly 20% of the approved spending–will go directly to fixing flood-related incidents. That money will go towards four location-specific improvement projects, including “detention, pipes and other drainage improvements that make neighborhoods more resilient to climate change and flash flooding,” says the city’s official allocation plan.
More Money Needed For Full Flood Prevention Effort
Despite that funding, Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson said more money is needed.
“No, this gets nowhere near addressing all of our flooding issues, but it does reflect an allocation of what can be done given the timeline under the legislation,” said Wilson in a email to Dogwood. “Given the deadline for obligation of the funds … there are many flooding projects that do not meet those criteria.”
The ARPA spending must be allocated by the end of 2026. Mayor Wilson said the city has $400M of storm-water improvements budgeted or planned for the next decade. However, current solutions may need to be adjusted as climate change worsens.
Politics
Lawmakers approve budget without Youngkin’s costly arena project or tax cut for the rich
Virginia’s General Assembly wrapped up its 60-day legislative session on Saturday after approving a new, two-year state budget—a document Republican...
Biden’s 2025 budget prioritizes lowering costs for families, taxing the rich
The president's budget includes proposals to lower childcare costs, create a paid family leave program, lower drug costs, and strengthen Social...
Local News
A merry mix-up involving Toys for Tots in Southside Virginia
It sounds like a real-life tale from a Charles Dickens novel, but fear not: In classic style, all the twists turn around for good by the end. ...
Discover the delicious delights of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley
Virginia—especially the Shenandoah Valley region—is known for its charming small towns, each with its own unique character and attractions. From...