New Web portal for coastal resilience
for the commonwealth.”
“The data portal will be the go-to website for the latest legal and technical analyses,” said Davison M. Douglas, dean of William & Mary Law School. “The collaboration between VIMS and the Virginia Coastal Policy Center will provide a better understanding of sea-level rise impacts for government officials and the public. Legal expertise coupled with scientific research is a great match to build this website.”
William & Mary say that the Web site will include research about the harmful effects of sea-level rise and potential solutions to address those challenges. Sea-level rise causes flood damage, erosion, and loss of habitat for wildlife. There will also be tools that assist local and state leaders in planning and implementing the featured strategies.
Tidal and storm surge flooding risks, FEMA flood zone maps, storm history, and critical infrastructure risk assessments are all topics that are likely to be included on the Web site. Information about conditions of shorelines, wetlands, beaches, and coastal forests will also be in the portal.
“The portal will be a very useful tool for local governments and citizens, providing one easily-accessed source of information on adaptation measures to address sea-level rise,” said Elizabeth A. Andrews, director of the Virginia Coastal Policy Center. “The Virginia Coastal Policy Center’s role will be to provide legal analysis regarding Virginia localities’ authority and responsibilities for adaptation, as well as information on Virginia statutes, regulations and guidance available on the topic. We are pleased to be able to work with our partner VIMS on this important and timely project.”
Research will be accessible to the public through the portal beginning this fall, though the portal will continue to be developed over the next two years.
This is the third grant blue moon fund has awarded the university. The Virginia Coastal Policy Center received $178,500 from blue moon fund last year. In 2014, VIMS received a $150,000 grant from blue moon fund for related work.
“For 75 years, VIMS has been collecting, analyzing, synthesizing and sharing millions of pieces of data on everything from water quality to fish populations, creating a one-of-a-kind, comprehensive picture of the Bay’s complex ecosystem — with real-life impact far beyond Virginia,” blue moon fund said in a statement. “This data will be critical in predicting future conditions in the face of accelerating global environmental change.”
Located in Charlottesville, Virginia, blue moon fund is a foundation aimed at mitigating climate change through strategic philanthropy, investments and community partnerships.
“We would like to thank blue moon fund for their generous support in ensuring William & Mary is a leader in sea-level rise research by providing an invaluable tool to government leaders on all levels,” said Matthew T. Lambert ’99, vice president for university advancement. “This data portal will provide critical information that will allow political officials to make informed decisions regarding this issue.”
