Draft Publication Review:
Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program Draft 2026-2030 Coastal Needs Assessment and Strategies 

Description:
The Virginia Coastal Zone Management (CZM) Program is seeking public comment on its Draft 2026-2030 Section 309 Coastal Needs Assessment and Enhancement Strategies which was developed in accordance with the federal Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) and guidance from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office for Coastal Management.

Section 309 (Program Enhancement) of the CZMA encourages state CZM programs to strengthen and improve their programs in one or more of nine “enhancement areas,” including:

• Coastal Hazards
• Cumulative & Secondary Impacts of Coastal Growth & Development
• Ocean Resources
• Marine Debris
• Wetlands
• Aquaculture
• Energy & Government Facility Siting
• Special Area Management Plans
• Public Access

Every five years Virginia CZM assesses coastal resources, policies, and programs within each of these enhancement areas. After incorporating stakeholder feedback, each enhancement area is ranked as either high, medium or low priority. Then Virginia CZM develops detailed Phase II Needs Assessments and Enhancement Strategies for high priority areas. In this assessment cycle, Virginia CZM developed draft strategies for the Wetlands, Coastal Hazards, Marine Debris, and Ocean Resources enhancement areas. If approved by NOAA, Virginia CZM will receive dedicated Section 309 funding for five years to implement these strategies.

This document includes high-level Phase I Needs Assessments for all nine enhancement areas as well as detailed Phase II Needs Assessments and Strategies for Wetlands, Coastal Hazards, Marine Debris, and Ocean Resources. The document also includes summaries of accomplishments under previous strategies and an overview of stakeholder feedback received during the process.

To Learn More About the Coastal Needs Assessment and Strategy Process:
Visit the Virginia CZM Program website – www.deq.virginia.gov/our-programs/coastal-zone-management/strategic-planning-and-funding/coastal-needs-assessment-and-strategies/

Download and Review the Document:  Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program Draft 2026-2030 Coastal Needs Assessment and Strategies

Public Comment Period:
Wednesday, July 2, 2025 – Friday, August 29, 2025 

Submit Written Comments via email or by mail to:
Ryan Green
Program Manager
Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program
Ryan.Green@deq.virginia.gov
Virginia Dept. of Environmental Quality
1111 East Main Street, Suite 1400
Richmond, VA 23219