HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Actions 02-17-26 NASH
43356-021726
City of Ronoke, Virginia
CITY tOUNCIL
WIZ
Februar 17, 2026
ROANOKE 2:0 PM
City Cou cil Chamber
215 Church venue, SW
AGE DA
The City of Roanoke is a safe, caring and ec nomically vibrant community in which to
live, learn, work, play and prosper. A vibrant center with strong neighborhoods
set amongst the spectacular be uty of Virginia's Blue Ridge.
NOTICE:
City Council meetings will be televised live and r— e ed on RVTV Channel 3 on Thursdays at
7:00 pm, and Saturdays from 10:00 am to 5:00 p ; and video streamed through YouTube Live
at youtube.com/RoanokeVa. Council meetings ar offered with closed captioning for the deaf
or hard of hearing.
1. CALL TO ORDER - ROLL CALL. All pre ent.
The Invocation was delivered by The Reverend Terry Kemp, Children's Pastor
and Ministries Director, Fort Chisw II Church of God.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Fla of the United States of America was led by
Mayor Joseph L. Cobb.
Welcome
Mayor Cobb called for a Moment of Silence in.the passing of The Reverend Dr.
Jesse Jackson, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
2. PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS:
Mayor Cobb advised that, going forw4rd, the 2:00 pm meeting would begin
with the Council Members providing "shout-outs" or announcing community
events recently attended. The Council Members made the following
announcements: .
Council Member Powers "shouted-out" the Black History Month Program at St.
John's Episcopal Church.
•
Council Member Volosin "shouted-ou " the Angels of Assisi ribbon cutting
ceremony for its new, upgraded facili y on February 10.
Council Member Nash "shouted-out" he Total Action for Progress (TAP) Black
History Month Program and the Angels of Assisi ribbon cutting ceremony on
February 10.
Vice-Mayor McGuire"shouted-out" t e Roanoke Neighborhood Awards
program and commented that the Ci y's neighborhood groups were an
important part of the landscape.
Council Member Sanchez-Jones "sh uted-out" the Angels of Assisi ribbon
cutting ceremony on February 10.
Council Member Hagen "shouted-ou " the Total Action for Progress (TAP)
Black History Month Program held at St. John's Episcopal Church on February
12.
Mayor Cobb commented that on January 29, four City firefighters were injured
in a fire on Courtland Avenue, NW. A l are home recovering. He wished them
well, offered continued prayers, and hanked firefighters for the work they do
in the City.
Proclamation declaring February 2026 4 s Black History Month and honoring the
Harrison Museum of African-American culture as a pillar in the African-American
community.
Council Member Nash read and presented the proclamation to Anita Price,
former City Council Member, and Chirles Price, former Director, Harrison
Museum of African—American Culture.
3. HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC MATTERS:
The City Council sets this time as a priority for citizens to be heard. All matters will be
referred to the City Manager for response, recommendation or report to the Council, as
he may deem appropriate.
Anita James Price appeared before t e Council and spoke with regard to the
conflict with the City and the schools division.
Ryner Nash appeared before the Cou cil and expressed dissatisfaction with
the school funding reduced by City ouncil.
John Turnbull appeared before the C uncil and spoke with regard to the
school funding cuts.
Barbara Duerk appeared before the Council and spoke with regard to the
Connect Now, healthy communities program and presented a QR code
associated with the Evans Spring and vape stores initiatives.
4. CONSENT AGENDA: (APPROVED 7-0)
C-1. A communication from the City Att rney requesting that City Council convene
in a closed meeting to consult with legal counsel pertaining to actual or
probable litigation, where such con ultation or briefing in open meeting would
adversely affect the negotiating or itigating posture of the public body, pursuant
to Section 2.2-3711(A)(7), Code of Virginia, as amended.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Concurred in the request.
C-2. A communication from the City Attiorney requesting that City Council convene
in a closed meeting to discuss or consider the acquisition of real property for a
public purpose, or of the dispositi n of publicly held real property, where
discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the bargaining position or
negotiating strategy of the public IIody, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(3),
Code of Virginia, (1950), as amen ed.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Concurred in the request.
C-3. A communication from the City Attorney requesting that City Council convene
in a closed meeting to consult with legal counsel regarding a certain legal
matter requiring the provision of le al advice by the City Attorney concerning a
prospective business or industry o the expansion of an existing business or
industry where no previous annou i cement has been made of the business' or
industry's interest in locating or expanding its facilities in the Northwest area of
the City of Roanoke, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(5), Code of Virginia,
(1950), as amended.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Concurred in the request.
C-4. A communication from the City Attorney requesting that City Council convene
in a closed meeting to consult with legal counsel concerning the sale of city
property in the Southwest part of t I e City, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(3),
Code of Virginia, (1950), as amended.
Withdrawn.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Concur in the request.
C-5. A communication from the City Attrney requesting that City Council convene
in a closed meeting to consult with legal counsel concerning the sale of city
property in the Northwest part of the City, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(3),
Code of Virginia, (1950), as amended.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Concurred in the request.
C-6. A communication from the City Attorney requesting that City Council convene
in a closed meeting to consult with in-house and outside legal counsel
regarding proposed new legislatio requiring the provision of legal advice,
pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(81 , Code of Virginia (1950), as amended.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Concurred in the request.
C-7. Request to schedule and advertise for bids on this matter and for opening of
bids and a public hearing on Monday, March 16, 2026, or as soon thereafter as
the matter may be heard, or such ether date and time as deemed appropriate
by the City Manager, for the consideration of a Parking Agreement for
Unreserved Parking Permits for the Center in the Square Garage located at 11
Campbell Avenue, SE.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Concurred in the request.
C-8. Reports of qualification of the following individuals:
David Howard as a member of Gun Violence Prevention Commission to fill the
unexpired term of office of Robert Lamour ending March 31, 2028;
Oneida Huntington as a member f the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates to
fill the unexpired term of office of mazetta Anderson ending September 30,
2028; and
Jennifer Eddy as a member of the Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge, Board of
Directors for a one-year term of o ice, commencing July 1, 2025, and ending
June 30, 2026.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Recerved and filed.
REGULAR AGENDA:
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None.
6. PETITIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS: None.
7. REPORTS OF CITY OFFICERS AND THE CITY MANAGER:
1. City Manager:
BRIEFINGS:
Regional Hazard Mitigation Plan Update - 15 minutes
FY27 Budget Update - 20 minutes (To be presented on March 2, at 9:00 a.m.)
ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTION:
a. Appropriation of Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Funding
for the Tinker Creek Greenway.
Adopted Budget Ordinance No. 43353-021726. (7-0)
b. Execution of a Naming, Acvertising, and Sponsorship Agreement for
Roanoke Civic Center witil Berglund Management Group, Inc.
Adopted Resolution No. 3354-021726. (7-0)
COMMENTS OF THE CITY MANA ER.
PUBLIC MATTERS FOLLOW-UP
Kathryn Hedrick, Inclusive Service Manager, reported on the following matters
from the January 20 and February ' , 2026 Council meetings:
Death at Melrose Towers
Debra Carter discussed concern re arding the response to a 911 call where a
resident was later found deceased n his apartment.
Report Back:
The Fire Marshal reached out to M . Carter to report that Fire-EMS leadership
has reviewed the incident. Becaus the original dispatch was for an unusual
odor—not a wellbeing check—responding firefighters investigated by
checking the complainant's plumbing, running water, and thoroughly assessing
the surrounding area. The odor seemed to dissipate during the call, and at that
time officials observed no condition that warranted forced entry into
the neighboring apartment. Based n the information available to
crews, established protocol was fo lowed. We appreciate Ms. Carter's concerns
and offer condolences to the family.
Transit Equity Day Community Engagement
Wednesday, February 4; 2026, wa Fare Free Day across Valley Metro to
recognize Transit Equity Day. Thi day is a tribute to Rosa Parks and is
intended to promote the accessibility of public transit and encourage new riders
to experience the convenience oft e system.
• Valley Metro saw 5,404 ride s during Fare Free Day 2026.
• On a typical Wednesday, th average ridership is 4,832.
• The average ridership for th seven days prior to Fare Free Day was
3,829.
• Fare Free Day ridership dro ped by 296 this year.
2. CITY ATTORNEY:
a. Amendment ofthe City Cqde Article X, Transient Occupancy Tax,
Chapter 32, Taxation, to lign with Recent Changes to,the Code of
Virginia. 1
Adopted Ordinance No. 43355-021726. (7-0)
3. DIRECTOR OF REAL ESTATE VALUATION: None.
8. REPORTS OF COMMITTEES:
1. Comments on certain Authorities, oards, Committees and Commissions in
which City Council serve as liaison or appointees. None.
9. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None.
10. INTRODUCTION AND CONSIDERATIO OF ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS:
1. An ordinance to adjust the salary or the City Treasurer, effective January 1,
2026.
Adopted Ordinance No. 43356-021726. (7-0)
11. MOTIONS AND MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
1. Inquiries and/or comments by the Mayor and Members of City Council. None.
2. Vacancies on certain authorities, b ards, commissions and committees
appointed by Council. None.
12. RECESSED - 3:19 PM
The City Council Meeting will stand in rec ss; and thereafter reconvene at 7:00 pm, in
the City Council Chamber, Room 450, No I C. Taylor Municipal Building.
IllreWCity of Roanoke, Virginia
CITY COUNCIL
�� 7:00 m
P
ROANOKE City Council Chamber
215 Church Avenue, SW
13. CALL TO ORDER - ROLL CALL. All pr sent.
The Invocation was delivered by T e Reverend Amy Hodge, Pastor, Mt. Zion
AME Church.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Fl g of the United States of America was led by
Mayor Joseph L. Cobb.
Welcome
Certification of Closed Meeting. 7-0)
14. PRESENTATIONS AND ACKNOWLED EMENTS:
A resolution expressing sincere appreci tion to Timothy R. Spencer, City Attorney,
on the occasion of his retirement, for hi dedicated service to the citizens of the City
of Roanoke, Virginia.
Adopted Resolution No. 43357-021726. (7-0) Mayor Cobb presented the Key to
the City and a City gift to Mr. Spence .
15. PUBLIC HEARING:
1. Authorization to Execute a Lease greement Between the City of Roanoke and
The Orvis Company, Inc., for Retai Space in the Center in the Square Parking
Garage.
Adopted Ordinance No. 43358-0 1726. (7-0)
16. HEARING OF CITIZENS UPON PUBLIC ATTERS:
The City Council sets this time as a priority for citizens to be heard. If deemed
appropriate, matters will be referred to the City Manager for response,
recommendation or report to the City Council.
Adrienne Ostrander, appeared before the Council and spoke with regard to
school budget cuts.
Victoria Shockley-Newton, appeared before the Council and spoke on behalf of
teachers and students at James Madi on Middle School and funding for the
next school year.
Rebekah Murphy, appeared before th- Council and spoke as an advocate for
full and fair funding for RCPS.
Adalyn Smith, appeared before the C u uncil and spoke with regard to the cut in
P.L.A.T.O. and after-school programs
Jeanette Anderson, appeared before he Council and spoke with regard to the
cut in the P.L.A.T.O. program.
Listrik Stillman-Runyon, appeared be ore the Council and spoke with regard to
the cut in P.L.A.T.O. and after-school programs.
Nenden Stillman-Runyon, appeared before the Council and spoke in support of
no budget and program cuts for the school system.
Asalia Lafon, appeared before the Council and spoke in support of the
P.L.A.T.O. program.
Troy Eichelberger, appeared before he Council and spoke with regard to the
Evans house in Washington Park.
Polly Branch, appeared before the C uncil and spoke in support of the repair
of the cottage in Washington Park.
Thomas Lewis, appeared before the ouncil and spoke in support of the repair
of the cottage in Washington Park.
Gregory Hunt, appeared before the ouncil and presented a proposal to
purchase and restore the cottage in ' ashington Park.
Sylvia King, appeared before the Co ncil and spoke in support of the
restoration of the cottage in Washin ton Park.
Essie Manns, appeared before the C uncil and spoke with regard to restoring
history and keeping the community live.
Katt Duncan, appeared before the Council and expressed disappointment with
the changes to the funding formula for Roanoke City Public Schools and
requested that Council revisit the policy.
Stacie Orris, appeared before the Council and spoke in support of restoration
of school funding.
James Orris, appeared before the Co ncil and spoke to save the P.L.A.T.O.
program.
Tom Blanton, appeared before the C uncil and spoke in concern about
upcoming budget decisions and ask d that the tax rate remain at $1.22.
Leslie Warden-Anderson, appeared b fore the Council in opposition to the
proposed cuts to the school budget.
Andrew Edwards, appeared before t e Council in opposition to the proposed
cuts to the school budget.
Olive Copplestone, appeared before the Council and spoke to save the
P.L.A.T.O. program.
Allison Shok, appeared before the Council and spoke with concern about the
RCPS budget and asked that Council fully restore the school funding.
ADJOURNED - 8:20 PM.
lirdwil...4iagi
IMP
ROANOKE Offic of the City Attorney:
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
Subject: A communication from the City Attorney requesting that City Council
convene in a closed meeting to consult with legal counsel pertaining to
actual or probable litigation, where such consultation or briefing in open
meeting would adversely affect the negotiating or litigating posture of the
public body, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(7), Code of Virginia, as
amended.
The City Attorney requests that City Council convene in a closed meeting to consult with legal
counsel pertaining to actual or probable litigatio where such consultation or briefing in open
meeting would adversely affect the negotiating o litigating posture of the public body,
pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(7), Code of Virginia, as amended.
..---- ..:„. „____________..,
0,/,
Timothy Spencer, City Attorney
_ ■11110 mow
ROANOKE Offic of the City Attorney
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
Subject: A communication from the City Attorney requesting that City Council
convene in a closed meeting to d'scuss or consider the acquisition of real
property for a public purpose, or of the disposition of publicly held real
property, where discussion in an open meeting would adversely affect the
bargaining position or negotiatin strategy of the public body, pursuant to
Section 2.2-3711(A)(3), Code of V rginia, (1950), as amended.
The City.Attorney requesting that City Council co vene in a.closed meeting to discuss or
consider the acquisition of real property for a pu lic purpose, or of the disposition of publicly
held real property, where discussion in an open eeting would adversely affect the bargaining
position or negotiating strategy of the public.bod , pursuant to Section 2.2-3711(A)(3), Code of
Virginia, (1950), as amended. .
Timothy Spencer, City Attorney
IWiwi . .
ROAN O KE • Office of the City Attorney
To: Honorable Mayor and Members o' the City Council
Subject: A communication from the City.A, orney requesting that City Council .
convene in a closed meeting to c nsult with legal counsel regarding a
certain legal matter requiring the rovision of legal advice by the City
.Attorney concerning a prospectiv business or industry or the expansion
of an existing business or indust where no previous announcement has
been made of the business'.or in ustry's interest in locating or expanding
its facilities in the Northwest area of the City of Roanoke, pursuant to
Section 2.2-3711 (A)(5), Code of Virginia, (1950), as amended.
The City Attorney requests that City Council convene in a closed meeting to consult with legal -
-counsel: regarding a certain legal matter requiring f the provision of legal advice by the City
Attorney concerning a prospec
tive business or industry or the expansion of an existing
business or.industry where no previous announcement has been made of the business' or industry's interest in locating or expanding its.facillities in the Northwest area of the-City of ,
Roanoke, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(5), Cbde of Virginia, (1950), as amended.
/12
....,00,c_________,..--
Timothy Spencer, City Attorney
IMIWwannieffia
ROAN O KE Office of the City Attorney
To: Honorable Mayor and Members o the City Council
Subject: A:communication from the City A orney requesting that City Council
convene in a closed meeting to c nsult with legal counsel concerning the
sale of city property in the South est part of the City, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(3), Code of Virginia, ( 950), as amended.
The City Attorney requests that City Council cony-ne in a closed:meeting to consult with legal
counsel concerning the sale of city property in th- Southwest part of:the City, pursuant to
Section 2.2-3711 (A)(3), Code of Virginia, (1950), as amended.
Timothy Spencer, City Attorney
lirdre"..iimi
ROAN O KE Offic of the City Attorney
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
Subject: A communication from the City ttorney requesting that City Council
convene in a closed meeting to c nsult with legal counsel concerning the
legal process governing the sale of city property in the Northwest part of
the City, pursuant to Section 2.2 711 (A)(3), Code of Virginia, (1950), as
amended.
V
The City Attorney requests that City Council convene in a closed meeting to consult with legal
counsel concerning the legal process governing the sale of city property in the Northwest part
of the City, pursuant to Section 2.2-3711 (A)(3), Code of Virginia, (1950), as amended.
-'-/''----7f2-7-------...„,„.-------'-----
Timothy Spencer, City Attorney
- Ci Managers Report
�� Sub itted by: Brian Mann
Executiv Enterprise Administrator
ROANOKE February 17, 2026
Title: Request to schedule and advertis for bids on this matter and for-opening
of bids:and a public hearing on M nday,- March 16, 2026, or.as soon
thereafter as the matter may be heard, or such.other date and time.as
deemed appropriate by the City M Hager, for the consideration of a Parking
Agreement for Unreserved Parkin Permits for the Center in the Square
Garage located.at 11 Campbell Av nue, SE.
Background:
The City of Roanoke is proposing providing a par ing agreement for 20 unreserved parking
permits within the Center in the Square Garage, in connection with the development of a hotel.
The garage is a City-owned parking facility locate at 11 Campbell Avenue, SE. The term for
this Agreement would be for a period of twenty (2 ) years with the right to extend the terms Of
the agreement for up to four:(4) additional five (5) year periods.
Pursuant to Sections 15.2-2100 and 15.2-2101, ode of Virginia (1950), as amended, the
City is required to give public notice that the City is proposing to provide a franchise for
parking rights subject to certain terms and conditi ns, establish a bid'procedure for parties
interested in bidding on the franchise, and condu t a public hearing. Subject to City Council's
concurrence with this request, a copy of the prop sed agreement and related bid forms will be
placed with the.City Clerk for public information a d review on and after March 2; 2026. The
required legal advertisements will be placed in th Roanoke Times on March 2, 2026, and
March 9, 2026. The deadline for submittal of bid to the City Clerk from interested parties will
be Friday, March 13, 2026, at 12:00 Noon. Bids eceived will be opened at the City Council
meeting on Monday, March 16, 2026, during the 2:00 PM session, and referred to the City
Manager for review and recommendation. The public hearing on the bids will be held on
March 16, 2026, during the City Council's 7:00 PM session.
Authorize the scheduling and advertising for bids on this matter and for opening of bids and a-
public hearing on March 16, 2026,-or as soon th-reafter-as the matter may be reached, or
such other date and time as deemed appropriat- by the City Manager.
Recommended Action:
Concur in the request.
(--- :
Valmarie Turner, City Manager
CITY. �� _ OF ROANOKE
'frl ;'fii- . --� OFFICE OF THE ITY CLERK
-„,k VT, •a k 215 Church Avenue,S W.,Suite 456
" j r ."E- f' Roanoke,Virginia r 4011-1536
Telephone: (540):53-2541
�,.f Fax: (540)853 1145
CECELIA F.MCCOY,CMC E-mail: clerk@roa okeva.gov CECELIA T.WEBB,CMC
City Clerk Deputy City Clerk
RUTH VISUETE PEREZ,CMC
Assistant Deputy City Clerk
February 18, 2026
Deputy Chief Adam Puckett
Board Secretary
Roanoke, Virginia
Dear Deputy Chief Puckett:
This is to confirm David Howard has complete. the oath of office for appointment to the
Gun Violence Prevention Commission replacin0 Robert Lamour for a term of office ending
March 31, 2028.
Since ely,
Cece is F. McCoy, CMC
City lerk
Oath or Affirmation of Office
Commonwealth of Virginia, City of Roanoke, to-wit:
I, David Howard, do solemnly swear(or affirm) that I will support the Constitution
of the United States of America and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Virginia,
and that I will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent
upon me as a member of the Gun Violence Pr vention Commission to fill the unexpired
term of office of Robert Lamour ending March 3 , 2028, according to the best of my ability.
(So help me God.)
1\
/4 '
.,-'",.,,VV.HOWAR 1
The foregoing oath of office was taken, swor to, and subscribed before me by David
Howard this 2 day of i'1Ln 20215: Le
Bren a S. Hamilton, Clerk of the Circuit Court
By L- V e Clerk
.e -ter ,
f CITY OF RO NOKE
- r-: ,f,,,a .. _ ` OFFICE OF THE ITY CLERK
,- -, :: . 215 Church Avenue,S W.,Suite 456
Roanoke,Virginia , 4011-1536
Telephone: (540) 53-2541
Fax: (540)853 1145
CECELIA F.MCCOY,CMC E-mail: clerk@roanokeva:gov CECELIA T.WEBB,CMC
City Clerk Deputy City Clerk
RUTH VISUETE PEREZ,CMC
Assistant Deputy City Clerk
February 18 2026
Molly Hunter
Board Secretary
Roanoke, Virginia
Dear Ms. Hunter:
This is to confirm Oneida Huntington has completed the oath of office for appointment to
the Roanoke Neighborhood Advocates replacing Amazetta Anderson for a term of office
ending September 30, 2028.
Sincerely,
c
Cecelia F. McCoy, CMC
City Clerk
Oath or Affirmation of Office
Commonwealth of Virginia,City of Roanoke, t -wit:
I, Oneida Huntington, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the
Constitution of the United States of America a d the Constitution of the Commonwealth
of Virginia, and that I will faithfully and impart ally discharge and perform all the duties
incumbent upon me as a member of the Ro-noke Neighborhood Advocates to fill the
unexpired term of office of Amazetta Anderson ending September 30, 2028, according to
the best of my ability. (So help.me God.)
NEIDA HUNTINGTON .
The foregoing oath of office was taken, sworn to, and subscribed before me by Oneida
Huntington this-this3D day of a 20 6.
Brenda S. Hamilton, Clerk of the Circuit Court
By ) , Clerk
. ,- ` `i CITY OF RO NOKE
-'"'" - OFFICE OF THE ITY CLERK
S S 215 Church Avenue,S W.,Suite 456
- lkl " .e. Roanoke,Virginia 4011-1536
-< i -,cp , ..; ;,f Telephone: (540):53-2541
Fax: (540)853 1145
CECELIA F.MCCOY,CMC E-mail: clerk@roan keva.gov CECELIA T.WEBB,CMC
City Clerk Deputy City Clerk
RUTH VISUETE PEREZ,CMC
Assistant Deputy City Clerk
February 18 2026
Landon Howard
Board Secretary
Roanoke, Virginia
Dear Mr. Howard:
This is to confirm you that Jennifer Eddy has co pleted the oath of office for appointment
to the Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge, Board of !Directors for a one-year term of office,
commencing July 1, 2025, and ending June 30 2026.
Since ely,
Cecel a F. McCoy, CMC
City •lerk
Oath or Affirmat on of Office
Commonwealth of Virginia; City of Roanoke, to wit:
I, Jennifer Eddy, do solemnly swear (or affirm)that I will support the Constitution
of the United States of America and the Cons'itution of the Commonwealth of Virginia,
and that I will faithfully and impartially dischar•e- and perform all the duties incumbent
upon me as a member of the Visit Virginia's Blu� Ridge, Board of Directors for a one-year
term of office, commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026; according to the best
of my ability. (So help me God.)
/JENNI . R EDDY
The foregoing oath of office was taken, s orn to, and subscribed before me by
Jennifer Eddy this day of -rece) 025.
Bren•a S. Hamilton, Clerk of the Circuit Court
By/O 4 , Clerk
Roanol<e Valley-Alleghany
111111. om m fission
Hazard Mitigation Plan
2025 Update
Amanda McGee
Director of Community Development
Where , WhyWhat,
RVARC Hazard Mitigation Plan Service Area _ Other organizations:
49 person steering committee, g
N� • VDEM
representatives from:
Adopting Jurisdictions • NOAA
Alleghany • VDOF
Alleghany County • Covington Iron Gate
Town of Clifton Forge
City of Covington a • Clifton Forge
,
• Botetourt
"*; • Buchanan Federally required
EtntetourtCounty • Fincast!e document that enables
• Troutville funding sources from
Craig County • Craig FEMA and VDEM for listed
• County of Roanoke projects.
:Tsai^ Vint° • City of Roanoke
i ` • Salem
City of R•
• Vinton
• WVWA
• RVRA
=RoanoKe Volley MPO
Y .
^
➢ A t
8
Aug. 2023 Nov. 2024 - Feb. Apr.-Sep. 2025 Oct.-Nov. 2025 Q January 2026
9 2025
Q
a royal first
4A Review and FEMA pp
Q
Plan Drafted FEMA
Awarded Stakeholder Interviews Approval adoption
p b 0 6
10
a,, -
First Steering Committee p
Meeting Public Input Conducted VDEM Review Revision completed
O Sep. 2024 Feb.
-Mar. 2025 6 Sep. 2025 O Dec. 2025
4
Table of Contents
• Chapter 1 : The Hazard • Chapter 3: Hazard
Mitigation Plan Identification
• Description of process • Chosen hazards,
and participants, updates, hazards not assessed ,
and incorporation and historical event
• Chapter 2: The Planning descriptions
aukAa • Chapter 4: Risk
• Regional Profile and Assessment
information about regional • Assessment of potential
infrastructure, critical impacts from chosen
facilities definitions hazards
Table of Contents
• Chapter 5 : Capabilities • Chapter 7 : Mitigation Action
Assessment Plans
• Information about various • Includes action plans for
jurisdictions and assumed each jurisdiction
ability to respond to
hazards
• Chapter 6 : Mitigation Goals
and Strategies
• Region-wide goals and
strategies ` .
A �'
1 4
Table of Contents
• Appendices:
• A: Public Engagement Summary
• B : Hazard Mitigation Survey Results
• C: Flood Hazard Areas
• D : Flooding HAZUS Reports
• E : Wildfire Assessment Reports
• F : Critical and Vulnerable Facilities Inventory
• G : Jurisdiction Capability Assessment Survey
• H : High Hazard Potential Dam Supplement
• I : Policy Guide Checklist
• J : Resolutions/Approval Documentation
Hazards Assessed
• Earthquake • Geologic Hazards
• Extreme Temperature • Karst
• Extreme Cold • Landslide
• Extreme Heat • Wildfire
• Flooding • Wind Event
• High Hazard Potential • Winter Storm
Dams � 44 A U, ... 1 • �;
• Hurricane and Tropical = -#
Storm* ° O 4 T
o
*Hur..... T
` � '
•
Tropt �`� ' ' � ' ,asse 'undeN t+ •
wind �k • I
Public Engagement
Stakeholder Outreach Public Survey
Groups Consulted • Open through the month of March
Southwest Virginia Public Works • 251 responses
Academy • Low diversity in responses
Roanoke Valley Collective Response • 13 percent of responses from households earning
Stakeholder Group less than $50,000/year
Roanoke Foodshed Network • Most responses from City of Salem, but some
Roanoke Regional Housing Network responses from most zip codes
Roanoke Valley Transportation • Mostly homeowners (13 percent renting)
Technical Committee
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Public Engagement
Have you or someone you know Which hazards are you most
experienced ? concerned about?
Drought - Drought
Earthquake 1 Earthquake
Extreme Temperature...
Extreme Temperature... ■
Flood
Flood
,- Hurricane/Tropical...
Hurricane/Tropical...
Karst/Sinkhole
Karst/Sinkhole ,
Landslide
Landslide ■
Tornado/Wind
Tornado/Wind
Wildfire
Wildfire
Winter
Weather Weather
0 700 200
Other
•Not Concerned •Somewhat Concerned •Very Concerned
0% 50% •Extremely Concerned
1
Risk Assessment
Extreme Geologic
ocality Earthquake Temperatures Flooding Hazards Wildfire Wind Event 1Winter Storm
lleghany County _ Medium Medium High Medium Medium High Medium
ity of Covington Medium Low Medium Low Low High Medium
)wn of Clifton Forge Medium Low High Low Medium Medium Medium
)wn of Iron Gate Low Low High Low Medium High Medium
raig County Low Low Medium Low Low High Medium
)wn of New Castle Low Low Medium Low Low High Medium
otetourt County Medium Medium High Low Low High Medium
)wn of Buchanan Medium Medium High Low Low High Medium
)wn of Fincastle Medium Medium High Low Low High Medium
)wn of Troutville Medium Medium High ,Low Low High Medium
oanoke County Medium Medium High Medium High High Medium
iwn of Vintnn vt-chum MPdiium 14i0h I nw I nw Medium Medium
ity of Roanoke Medium High High Low Low Medium Medium
I y o a em Low Medium Hign LOW LOW Medium Medium
/VWA Service Area Medium Medium High Low Low Medium Medium
VRA Service Area Medium Medium High Low Low High Medium
egional Score e.ium Medium Low Low
Mitigation Goals and Strategies
Goal 1
Minimize the loss of rife, structures and critical. Strategies organized by hazard, considering
infrastructure during a disaster, as well as reduce the following areas of work:
risk to the built environment and natural resources.
• Local Plans and Regulations
•al 2 '.
• Structure and Infrastructure Projects
Minimize the economic impact to communities and • Natural Systems Protection and Nature-
the region in the wake of disaster Based Solutions
• Education and Awareness Programs
• Community Safety and Partner Efforts
Minimize impacts to social systems and community
resources following disaster.
Jurisdiction Specific Takeaways
• Federal vulnerability at 16% of revenue (high for • NFIP stats:
region) • 385 NFIP policies in force in the City
• Loss of federal funding sources will severely impact • 797 claims paid out in the community since 1981
mitigation efforts ($18, 852,734)
• Most city work focused on flooding and flood • 85 repetitive loss structures, 11 severe repetitive
mitigation loss structures
• Large backlog of CIP projects to improve stormwater • City is a CRS locality with a class 6 rating (20%
drainage — new prioritization process helping this discount)
• City Stormwater Utility Fund a unique asset in the • Spring Hollow Reservoir Dam and Carvins Cove
region reservoir dam a potential impact to the locality
• Two other small private lakes designated high hazarc
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Jurisdiction Specific Takeaways
• Projects listed beginning in section 7.11 (pg 7-42)
• Most projects address flooding. Several address extreme
temperature and other hazards.
• Types of projects:
• Property acquisition
• Education
111
• Mapping and inventory items
• Program maintenance
• Volunteer management and development for disaster
response
• Shelter improvement and resilience hubs
• Improved detection (e.g. pavement sensors)
• Improved planning
• Crisis Communications Plan
• Continuity of Government Plan
• Heat Resilience Plan
• Study on power resiliency
Next Steps
Approval of the Resolu tion
Questions?
pip Roanoke Valley-Alleghany
NAL
Aid REG I * •
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Amanda McGee
Director of Community Development
amcgee@rvarc.orq 1 (540) 343-4417
2025 Hazard Mitigation Plan Staff
Report and Executive Summary
The Hazard Mitigation Plan fulfills the Federal requirements for the Disaster Mitigation Act of
2000.The plan identifies hazards;estimates losses;and establishes community goals,
objectives and mitigation activities that are appropriate for the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany region
and the various organizations which are represented in the plan.The plan was last updated and
adopted in 2019.These plans must be updated every five years.The 2019 plan expired in
September 2024.
An adopted Hazard Mitigation Plan allows local governments to apply for disaster mitigation
funds which become available following a natural disaster.In September 2024 Hurricane
Helene struck Virginia and received a federal disaster declaration.Quick adoption of this plan
update is important for those local governments which are applying for funds associated with
the Hurricane Helene disaster.
This plan incorporates the following jurisdictions.All of these jurisdictions have been active
participants in the plan.
Alleghany County Town of Clifton Forge
Botetourt County Town of Fincastle
Craig County Town of Vinton
Roanoke County Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional
City of Covington Commission
City of Roanoke Roanoke Valley Resource Authority
City of Salem Western Virginia Water Authority
Town of Buchanan
The plan also covers the geographic area of the Towns of New Castle and Iron Gate.While
New Castle and Iron Gate did not meet the threshold of participation in this plan,their
emergency services efforts operate jointly with Craig County and Alleghany County respectively.
Required Action
This plan requires adoption through resolution.Resolution text is enclosed.
Executive Summary 1
Executive Summary
Chapter 1: The Hazard Mitigation Plan
This chapter provides a summary of the planning process and outlines opportunities for
improvement in future iterations of the plan.Planning efforts began in 2024 and were completed
in late 2025,with adoption expected in December 2025.One round of public input was held
which included a public online survey and direct stakeholder outreach.
The chapter also lays out the adoption and implementation process.Participating governments
agree to an annual update of project progress which will be facilitated by the Regional
Commission.
Chapter 2: The Regional Profile
This chapter describes the planning region.Key factors included in the chapter are the existing
infrastructure,topography,and economy,as well as a definition of critical and vulnerable
facilities.
Chapter 3: Hazard Identification
Hazards identified in this chapter include:
Earthquake Wildfire
Extreme Temperature Wind Event
Flooding Winter Storm
Hurricane and Tropical Storm
Geologic Hazards
While many of these definitions are clear,some are not.
• Extreme Temperature:This hazard includes extreme heat and extreme cold.
• Geologic Hazards:This includes karst,which gives rise to sinkholes,and landslides.
• Wind Event This includes straight line winds and tornadoes.
Additionally,two hazards are not assessed in the risk assessment.These are drought,which is
addressed through state-mandated water supply plans;and pandemic.
Historical events are surveyed in this chapter. High hazard potential dams are also inventoried
in this chapter.
Chapter 4: Risk Assessment
This chapter contains the risk assessment model for the plan,which guides future
recommendations and priorities.Outcomes from the model are included in the table below.
More detail regarding each hazard and the logic for the rankings is included in the relevant
subsections of the chapter.Flooding and Wind Events were the two highest ranked hazards
across the region.
Executive Summary
2
The All Hazards Ranking Table is included below for reference.
Hazard Ranking Table:
All Hazards
Extreme Geologi
Earthqua Temperatur Floodin c Wind Winter
Locality ke es g Hazards Wildfire Event Storm
Allegheny
County Medium Medium High Medium Medium High Medium
City of
Covington Medium Low Medium Low Low High Medium
Town of Mediu
Clifton Forge Medium Low High Low Medium m Medium
Town of Iron
Gate Low Low High Low Medium High Medium
Craig County Low Low Medium Low Low High Medium
Town of New
Castle Low Low Medium Low Low High Medium
Botetourt
County Medium Medium High Low Low High Medium
Town of
Buchanan Medium Medium High Low Low High Medium
Town of
Fincastle Medium Medium High Low Low High Medium
Town of
Troutville Medium Medium High Low Low High Medium
Roanoke
County Medium Medium High Medium High High Medium
Town of Mediu
Vinton Medium Medium High Low Low m Medium
City of Mediu
Roanoke Medium High High Low Low m Medium
Mediu
City of Salem Low Medium , High Low Low m Medium
WVWA Mediu
Service Area Medium Medium High Low Low m Medium
RVRA
Service Area Medium Medium Hi.h Low Low Hi•h Medium
Regional
Score Low Low
Chapter 5: Capabilities Assessment
This chapter contains individual sections for each participating local government and details of
their budgets,their staffing relevant to disaster mitigation and response,and their participation
in the National Flood Insurance Program.Mutual aid agreements and other resources are also
captured.
Executive Summary 3
Chapter 6: Mitigation Goals and Strategies
This chapter outlines the goals and strategies for mitigation efforts in the region. In developing
mitigation strategies for the region,a wide range of activities were considered in order to
achieve the goals and to lessen the vulnerability of the area to the impact of natural hazards.
Chapter 7: Mitigation Action Plans
This chapter includes individual mitigation action plans for each participating jurisdiction.All
identified projects are dependent upon funding availability.
Appendices
The plan contains supporting documentation in multiple appendices.Supporting documentation
includes:outputs from public engagement efforts;flood modeling;critical and vulnerable
facilities lists;wildfire incidence reports and modeling;dam inundation mapping and dam safety
data;worksheets from steering committee members;and other documentation.
Executive Summary 4
A
PLAN ,r
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2025 UPDATE ' _� �- • v
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Roanoke Valley-Alleghany '-
REGIONAL
MP commission
OPIPI Prepared by the . .
= REGIONALCOt11C11ISSIOC1
Staff Contributors:
Amanda McGee,Director of Community Development
Jon Stanton, Transportation Planner 1I
Shira Goldman,Regional Planner!
Kevin Jenks,Regional Planner I
With special thanks to:
Cole Taggart, VDEM
Daniel Murray,Botetourt County
Terms and Definitions
Code of Federal Regulations(CFR)
The codification of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by the
departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
Community Rating System(CRS)
A voluntary incentive program that recognizes and encourages community floodplain
management practices that exceed the minimum requirements of the National Flood Insurance
Program(NFIP).
Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000(DMA 2000)
This act requires state and local governments to develop hazard mitigation plans as a condition
for federal grant assistance.
Federal Emergency Management Agency(FEMA)
A United States government agency that helps people before,during,and after disasters.FEMA's
mission is to improve the nation's ability to prepare for,respond to,and recover from all hazards.
Flood Insurance Rate Map(FIRM)
Official map of a community on which FEMA has delineated the Special Flood Hazard Areas
(SFHAs), the Base Flood Elevations (BFEs) and the risk premium zones applicable to the
community.
National Center for Environmental Information(NCEI)
A United States government agency that manages and archives environmental data.NCEI's data
includes information about the climate,oceans,coasts,and the Earth's surface.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA)
A United States government agency that studies and predicts changes in the weather, climate,
oceans,and coasts.A branch of the Department of Commerce.
National Weather Service(NWS)
A United States government agency that provides weather forecasts and warnings.The NWS is
part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA), which is a branch of the
Department of Commerce.
Roanoke Valley—Alleghany Regional Commission(RVARC)
One of 21 Virginia Planning District Commissions established by the General Assembly to
promote regional cooperation between local governments.RVARC members include the counties
of Alleghany, Botetourt, Craig, and Franklin, the cities of Covington, Roanoke, and Salem, and
the towns of Clifton Forge,Vinton,and Rocky Mount.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1. THE HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN 1-1
1.1 OVERVIEW OF THE PLAN 1-1
1.2 PLANNING PROCESS I 1-2
1.3 ADOPTION OF THIS PLAN 1-7
1.4 FUTURE UPDATES 1-8
1.5 IMPLEMENTATION OPPORTUNITIES 1-9
CHAPTER 2. THE REGIONAL PROFILE 2-1
2.1 THE PLANNING REGION . 2-1
2.2 INFRASTRUCTURE AND CRITICAL FACILITIES 2-11
CHAPTER 3. HAZARD IDENTIFICATION 3-1
3.1 HAZARDS FOR ASSESSMENT 3-1
3.2 EARTHQUAKE 3-5
3.3 EXTREME TEMPERATURE 3-11
3.4 FLOODING 3-15
3.5 HURRICANE AND TROPICAL STORM 3-41
3.6 GEOLOGIC HAZARDS 3-44
3.7 WILDFIRE 3-47
3.8 WIND EVENT 3-48
3.9 WINTER STORM 3-53
3.10 HAZARDS NOT ASSESSED 3-55
CHAPTER 4. RISK ASSESSMENT 4-1
4.1 DISASTER RANKINGS 4-1
4.2 EARTHQUAKE 4-7
4.3 EXTREME TEMPERATURE 4-12
4.4 FLOODING 4-19
4.5 GEOLOGIC HAZARDS 4-26
4.6 WILDFIRE 4-35
4.7 Wino EvENT 4-41
4.8 WINTER STORM 4-45
CHAPTER 5. CAPABILITIES ASSESSMENT 5-1
5.1 CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK 5-1
5.2 ALLEGHANY COUNTY 5-3
5.3 CITY OF COVINGTON 5-6
5.4 TOWN Of CLIFTON FORGE 5-9
5.5 BOTETOURT COUNTY 5-11
5.6 TOWN OF BUCHANAN 5-14
5.7 TOWN OF FINCASTLE 5-15
5.8 TOWN OF TROUTVILLE 5-16
5.9 CRAIG COUNTY 5-17
5.10 ROANOKECOUN r 5-20
5.11 CITY OF ROANOKE 5-24
5.12 Cm of SALEM 5-31
5.13 TowN OF VINTON 5-34
5.14 ROANOKE VALLEY-ALLEGHANV REGIONAL COMMISSION 5-38
5.15 ROANOKE VALLEY RESOURCE AUTHORm 5-42
5.16 WESTERN VIRGINIA WATER AUTHORITY 5-43
CHAPTER 6. MITIGATION GOALS AND STRATEGIES 6-1
6.1 IDENTIFIED GOALS 6-1
6.2 REGIONAL STRATEGIES 6-2
6.3 ALL HAZARDS 6-2
6.4 EARTHQUAKE 6-4
6.5 EXTREME TEMPERATURE 6-4
6.6 FLOODING 6-5
6.7 GEOLOGIC HAZARDS 6-7
6.8 WIND 6-7
6.9 WILDFIRE 6-8
6.1 0 WINTER STORM 6-8
CHAPTER 7. MITIGATION ACTION PLANS 7-1
7.1 PROJECT DEVELOPMENT AND PRIORITIZATION 7-1
7.2 ALLEGHANYCouNTV 7-2
7.3 CITY OF COVINGTON 7-6
7.4 TOWN OF CLIFTON FORGE 7-11
7.5 BOTETOURTCoulry 7-16
7.6 TowN of BucHANAN 7-22
7.7 TOWN OF FINCASTLE 7-26
7.8 TOWN Of TROUTVILLE 7-29
7.9 CRAIG COUNTY 7-31
7.10 RoANDKECOUNTY J 7-35
7.11 Cm Of ROANOKE 7-42
7.12 Cm OF SALEM 7-50
7.13 TOWN Of VINTON 7-55
7.14 ROANOKE VALLEY-ALLEGHANY REGIONAL COMMISSION 7-61
7.15 ROANOKE VALLEY RESOURCE AUTHORITY 7-64
7.16 WESTERN VIRGINIA WATER AUTHORITY 7-66
REFERENCES
APPENDIX LIST
IV
Figures
Figure 1:Timeline of the Plan 1-2
Figure 2:Concern About Future Disaster Events 1-6
Figure 3:The Planning Region 2-1
Figure 4: River Basins and Flood Areas 2-3
Figure 5:Regional Topography 2-3
Figure 6:NRI Social Vulnerability Rating 2-5
Figure 7:Regional Transportation Facilities 2-12
Figure 8:Regional Transit Connections 2-12
Figure 9:Modified Mercalli Intensity Levels\ 3-6
Figure 10:Virginia Seismic Zones,Virginia Department of Energy 3-7
Figure 11:Community Intensity Map, New Castle Earthquake 2019 3-8
Figure 12:Community Intensity Map,Roanoke County Earthquake 2021 3-9
Figure 13:Community Intensity Map,North Carolina Earthquake 2020 3-10
Figure 14:WBGT vs Heat Index,Weather.gov 3-11
Figure 15:WBGT and Safety 3-12
Figure 16:Extreme Cold Days by Year,Roanoke,VA 3-14
Figure 17: Extreme Heat Days by Year,Roanoke,VA 3-14
Figure 18:Dam Classifications,FEMA 3-34
Figure 19:Karst Map,VDEQ 3-44
Figure 20:EF Ratings Definitions,Weather.gov 3-48
Figure 21:Tornado Paths,NOAA 3-51
Figure 22:NESIS Scale 3-53
Figure 23:Water Supply Planning Areas,DEQ a 3-55
Figure 24:Earthquake Risk Mapping,USGS 4-9
Figure 25:Urban Heat Island Effect,City of Roanoke 4-14
Figure 26:USGS Sinkhole Hotspots,Accessed 2025 4-29
Figure 27:Regional Critical Facilities in Above-Average Landslide Susceptible Areas. 4-30
Figure 28:Regional Vulnerable Facilities in Above-Average Landslide Susceptible Areas 4-31
Figure 29:Landslide Susceptibility Model in the Region 4-32
Figure 30:Characteristic Fire Intensity Scale,VDOF 4-35
Figure 31:Total Mileage by Locality in 2024,VDOT 4-47
v
Tables
Table 1:Steering Committee 1-3
Table 2:Average High and Low Temperatures 2-4
Table 3:Population Projections by Locality,CEDS 2025 2-6
Table 4:Population Distribution by Age,CEDS 2025 2-6
Table 5:Median Household Income,American Community Survey 2-6
Table 6:50 Largest Regional Employers 2-7
Table 7:Number of Licensed and Staffed Beds in Area Hospitals,2025 2-8
Table 8:Priority Project Categories,CEDS 2025 2-8
Table 9:Regional Sewer and Septic Needs,VDH 2-14
Table 10:2023 Tax Revenues from Travel,VTC 2-15
Table 11:Hazard Events and Locations 3-2
Table 12:FEMA Disaster Declarations since 2018 3-4
Table 13:Flood Events per the NCEI Database,2019-2024 3-19
Table 14:High Hazard Potential Dams 3-38
Table 15:Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale,National Weather Service 3-41
Table 16: Infections,Hospitalizations,and Deaths due to COVID-19,2020-2021 3-57
Table 17:All Hazards Ranking Table 4-4
Table 18:Expected Annual Loss and Exposure Values for Earthquake,NRI 4-7
Table 19:Annualized Frequency Values for Earthquakes,NRI 4-8
Table 20:Homes Built Before 1970,ACS 5-Year Estimate 2023 4-10
Table 21:Hazard Ranking for Earthquake 4-11
Table 22:Expected Annual Loss for Cold Wave,NRI 4-13
Table 23:Annualized Frequency of Cold Waves,NRI 4-15
Table 24:Social Vulnerability,NRI 4-15
Table 25:Vulnerable Populations by Age 4-17
Table 26:Heating Fuel Source by Locality,ACS 5-year Estimates 4-17
Table 27:Hazard Ranking for Extreme Temperature 4-18
Table 28:Estimated Annual Loss for Flooding,NRI 4-20
Table 29:WVWA Facilities in the Floodplain 4-21
Table 30:Annualized Frequency for Flooding,NRI 4-21
Table 31:Repetitive Loss Structures by Locality,FEMA 4-23
Table 32:Hazard Ranking Table for Flooding 4-25
Table 33:Expected Annual Loss, NRI 4-27
Table 34:Events on Record 2010-2021,NRI 4-28
Table 35:Critical Facilities in Above-Average Landslide Susceptible Areas by Location 4-33
Table 36:Vulnerable Facilities in Above-Average Landslide Susceptible Areas by Location 4-33
Table 37:Hazard Ranking for Geologic Hazards.... 4-34
Table 38:Characteristic Fire Intensity,VDOF 4-36
Table 39:Expected Annual Loss for Wildfire,National Risk Index 4-37
Table 40:Annualized Frequency Value for Wildfire, NRI 4-38
Table 41:Housing Unit Risk,Virginia Department of Forestry 4-39
Table 42:Hazard Ranking Table for Wildfire 4-40
Table 43:Expected Annual Loss for Wind Events, NRI 4-41
Table 44:Annualized Frequency Value for Wind Events,NRI 4-42
vi
Table 45:Mobile and Manufactured Homes,ACS 2019-2023 Estimates 4-43
Table 46:Hazard Ranking for Wind Events 4-44
Table 47:Costs of a Winter Weather Event 4-45
Table 48:Hazard Ranking for Winter Storm 4-48
Table 49:Comparison of Revenue Across RVARC Member Local Governments 5-2
Table 50:Alleghany County Budget 2023,Commonwealth of Virginia 5-3
Table 51:City of Covington Budget 2024 5-6
Table 52:Adopted Budget Town of Clifton Forge,2025 5-9
Table 53:Botetourt County Budget,2024 5-11
Table 54:Craig County Budget 2024 5-17
Table 55:Roanoke County Revenues,2024 5-20
Table 56:City of Roanoke Revenues 2023 5-24
Table 57:City of Salem Revenues 2024 5-31
Table 58:RVARC Budget FY2026 5-39
vii
Chapter 1.The Hazard Mitigation Plan
1.1 Overview of the Plan
The purpose of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission Hazard Mitigation Plan is to
fulfill the Federal requirements for the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000.The plan identifies hazards;
estimates losses;and establishes community goals, objectives and mitigation activities that are
appropriate for the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany region and the various organizations which are
represented in this document.
The Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000(DMA 2000)requires that local governments,as a condition
of receiving federal disaster mitigation funds, have a mitigation plan that:describes the process
for identifying hazards, risks and vulnerabilities; identifies and prioritizes mitigation actions;
encourages the development of local mitigation;and provides technical support for those efforts.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) defines pre-disaster mitigation as any
sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to life and property from a hazard
event. Mitigation, also known as prevention, encourages long-term reduction of hazard
vulnerability. Mitigation should be cost-effective, appropriate for the community, and
environmentally sound. Mitigation activities can protect critical and vulnerable community
facilities, reduce exposure to liability, and minimize community disruption resulting from natural
disasters.The goal of mitigation is to save lives and reduce property damage,which in turn can
reduce the cost and impact of disasters across communities.
This plan incorporates the following jurisdictions. All of these jurisdictions have been active
participants in the plan.
Allegheny County Town of Clifton Forge
Botetourt County Town of Fincastle
Craig County Town of Vinton
Roanoke County Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional
City of Covington Commission
City of Roanoke Roanoke Valley Resource Authority
City of Salem Western Virginia Water Authority
Town of Buchanan
The plan also covers the geographic area of the Towns of New Castle and Iron Gate.While New
Castle and Iron Gate did not meet the threshold of participation in this plan, their emergency
services efforts operate jointly with Craig County and Allegheny County respectively.
Chapter 1: The Hazard Mitigation Plan 1-1
1.2 Planning Process
The Steering Committee for this effort was made up of jurisdiction representatives and state and
federal agency representatives. However, consultation with numerous community stakeholders
occurred during planning. Public input was also a key element of the plan. The full details of
steering committee meetings, stakeholder engagement, and broader public input efforts are
available in Appendix A: Public Engagement and Appendix B: Survey Results.
Timeline of the Plan
QAug.2023 Q Nov.2024-Feb.2025 Q Apr.-Sep.2025 Q Oet.-Nov.2025
Grant Awarded 57akeno.der Inlorvew, Par Drahea FEMA Reaewand Approval
First Steen'Committee
Meeone Pudlie Input Cand„Cted DOOM Revron' Pueuc Meetirgn and Aeapuon
bS.P.2024 d Feb.-Mar.2025 b Sep.2025 6 Dec.2025
Figure 1:Timeline of the Plan
Update Priorities
Proposed timelines for this process originally began in August 2023.However,numerous staffing
challenges delayed the start of work on this effort until August 2024 —one month before the
expiration of the 2019 plan.Additionally, new and more rigorous federal guidelines for document
development meant that large sections of this plan were developed from scratch. Additional
changes in local and regional staffing continued throughout the planning process.
Additionally, in September 2024, at the same time that the first stakeholder meeting was being
convened, Hurricane Helene struck Southwest Virginia.While most of the localities represented
by this plan sustained minimal damage, regional stakeholders were heavily involved in disaster
response efforts.
As a result of all of these challenges, the primary focus of this update is in right-sizing a new
regional vision of pre-disaster hazard mitigation and rebuilding programs and relationships
between jurisdictions and stakeholders.
Chapter 1:The Hazard Mitigation Plan 1-2
Table 1:Steering Comrnmee
Locality Representatives
Locality Representative
Alleghany County Jonathan Fitch,Director of Public Safety
Melissa Munsey,Assistant to the County Administrator
City of Covington Allen Dressler,City Manager
Christopher Smith,Chief of Police&Public Safety Director
Town of Clifton Forge Chuck Unroe,Town Manager
Maria Saxton,Director of Planning and Community Development
Town of Iron Gate Kawhana Persinger,Mayor
Botetourt County Daniel Murray,Emergency Manager
Jason Ferguson,Fire and EMS Chief
Nicole Pendleton,Director of Community Development
Matt Lewis,Operations Support Coordinator
Nick Baker,Planner II
Town of Buchanan Jon Elistad,Town Manager T a
Angela Lawrence,Former Town Manager
Town of Fincastle Melanie Young McFadyen,Town Manager
Town of Troutville Michael Mansfield,Mayor
Craig County Dan Collins,CountyAdministrator
Darryl Humphreys,Emergency Management Coordinator
Roanoke County Tarek Moneir,Director of Development Services
David Henderson,County Engineer(Retired)
Cindy Linkenhoker,Storm water Program Manager
Butch Workman,Storm water Operations Manager(Retired)
Dustin Campbell,Deputy Chief
Nickie Milts,Floodplain Manager
Philip Thompson,Director of Planning
Ross Hammes,Planner
Chapter 1: The Hazard Mitigation Plan 1-3
Locality Representatives(continued)
Locality Representative
City of Roanoke Dwayne D'Ardenne,Tranportation Division Manager
Ian Shaw,Stormwater Manager
Laura Schmidt,Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator
Leigh Anne Weitzenfeld,SustainabilityCoordinator
Mckenzie Brocker,Water QualityAdministrator
Ross Campbell,Director of Public Works
Trevor Shannon,Battalion Chief
DeAnthony Pierce,Building Plans Examiner 11
City of Salem Jeff Ceaser,Assistant Director Streets and General Maintenance
Mary Ellen H Wines,Planning and Zoning Administrator
Robert Paxton,Battalion Chief/Fire Marshal
Sam Driscoll,Stormwater Manager
William L.Simpson,Jr,Assistant Director Community Development
Town of Vinton j Anita McMillan,Planning and Zoning Director
Nathan McClung,Assistant Planning and Zoning Director
Special Districts
Organization Representative
Western Virginia Water Authority Roger Blankenship,Director of Plant Assets
Tesha Okioga,Director of Engineering
Roanoke Valley Resource Authority Jon Lanford,Chief Executive Officer
State/Federal Agency Representatives
Agency Representative
NOAA Phil Hysell,Warning Coordination Meteorologist
Nicholas Fillo,Service Hydrologist
VDOF Dennis McCarthy,Area Forester
Rachel Kim,Community and Area Forester
Cole Taggart,All Hazards Planner Region 6
VDEM Jonathan T.Simmons,Disaster Response and Recovery Officer
Mike Guzo,Chief Regional Coordinator
Chapter 1: The Hazard Mitigation Plan 1-4
Steering Committee
Between September 2024 and September 2025,the steering committee guided development of
the Hazard Mitigation Plan through a series of meetings focused on timeline management, plan
content,and stakeholder engagement.The process began with a kickoff meeting to discuss the
plan framework,timeline,and outreach strategy. Following Hurricane Helene, FEMA and VDEM
emphasized the urgency of applying for disaster mitigation funding. This prompted the committee
to prioritize eligibility requirements and expand participation requirements. Meetings which
occurred early in 2025 focused on public engagement and outreach while spring sessions
reviewed stakeholder input, survey results,and drafts of chapters. By May 2025,the committee
began to finalize chapter updates,preparing the plan for locality review and submission to VDEM
and FEMA ahead of the federal funding deadline in early December. Due to staffing constraints,
VDEM regional staff played a critical role in finalizing the plan, conducting final meetings with
locality staff which are documented in Appendix A. The final steering committee meeting was
held in September.
Stakeholder Engagement
In order to maximize stakeholder engagement, staff worked with various stakeholder groups
already convening in the region before engaging in some individual outreach. Membership of
these groups is included in Appendix A.
Groups Consulted
• Southwest Virginia Public Works Academy
• Roanoke Valley Collective Response Stakeholder Group
• Roanoke Foodshed Network
• Roanoke Regional Housing Network
• Roanoke Valley Transportation Technical Committee
Individual Organizations
• Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism
• CHIP of Roanoke Valley
• Roanoke Valley Rescue Mission
Many additional stakeholders could have been consulted in this planning process. In future
updates to the plan, the following stakeholders are recommended for outreach. Some of these
stakeholders may be interested in participating as special districts.
• Area hospitals,especially Roanoke Memorial Hospital
• Alleghany Highlands Economic Development Corporation
• Alleghany Highlands Public Schools
• Craig-Botetourt Electric Co-op
• Local Area Office on Aging
• RVARC Committee on Economic Development Strategies
• Roanoke Regional Airport
• Soil and Water Conservation Districts
• Valley Metro
Chapter 1: The Hazard Mitigation Plan 1-5
Public Input
Staff worked with the Steering Committee to design an electronic survey that was open from
February through March of 2025.Full details of survey responses are available in Appendix B.
The survey received 251 responses, a marked improvement from the 2019 plan. Ninety-five
percent of respondents identified as White. Only about 1.5 percent of respondents identified as
Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish in origin. Response by household income was more varied, about
13 percent of households reporting an income of less than $50,000. Responses were spread
across zip codes, but the vast majority of responses were seen in the City of Salem (zip code
24153)with 81 responses. Only 5 respondents stated they relied on public transit. Most of the
respondents owned their own home,with about 13 percent renting their home.
Flood was the greatest disaster of concern, followed by wind. This echoes results of the
vulnerability assessment. Earthquake, Karst and Landslide(the latter two collectively assessed)
were marked as of least concern.
Generally, respondents expressed increased concerns about natural disasters in the region
compared to five years ago.
Drought
Earthquake
Extreme Ternpe atxre...
Good
Hurricane/Tropica',..
Karst'Sirkho',e
landslide
Tornado i Wind
An dtire
Winter Weather
too 200
•Not Concerned •Son•:e.:°at Concerned •Very Concerned
*Ertren:ety Corxened
Figure 2:Concern About Future Disaster Events
Chapter 1:The Hazard Mitigation Plan 1-6
1.3 Adoption of this Plan
The Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) was an active participant in
development of this plan and a key funding partner. VDEM representatives have reviewed this
plan and provided input on compliance with the 2025 Local Mitigation Policy Guide in the hopes
of streamlining the federal approval process.
The Policy Guide Checklist with relevant page numbers for each element is included in
Appendix I.
The plan was submitted for federal approval on October 10, 2025.Approval documentation
is included in Appendix J.
Resolutions by participating jurisdictions are included in Appendix J.
Chapter 1: The Hazard Mitigation Plan 1-7
1.4 Future Updates
This plan will be reviewed every year by the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission for
project progress and opportunities for implementation.
Annual review will be initiated by Regional Commission staff. Project updates will be provided
promptly by representatives from the respective jurisdictions incorporated into this plan.
The annual review will result in a project progress document which will be posted on a designated
Regional Commission public engagement site and shared with the participating jurisdictions and
the Regional Commission board. Public engagement around specific projects that reach
implementation stage will be provided by request of the jurisdiction that is primary on the project.
Success of the plan will be evaluated during the annual review by tracking progress on proposed
projects,including projects completed,substantial milestones reached,and grant dollars secured.
Metrics will be included in the annual project progress document but may also be included in the
Regional Commission's annual report and other internal and external communication documents.
The Regional Commission will lead the five-year update process. Future five-year updates offer
opportunities for planning process improvements.While many of the complications in the planning
process for this update were due to staffing issues experienced at the Regional Commission,
some other areas for improvement in the next plan update include:
• Expanding outreach to unreached stakeholders identified in this planning process and
considering the creation of a formal stakeholder committee to inform the plan.
• Incorporating new special districts where appropriate and where interest exists.
• Increasing public input around project development and offering more consistent outreach
throughout the planning process,including at least two community meetings.
• Targeting broader public engagement efforts to underrepresented populations and census
tracts in innovative ways,including direct mailers and pop-ups in community spaces.
• Streamlining the project update process which can be facilitated by annual updates and
reviews of this document.
In addition,some potential improvements to the vulnerability assessment have been included as
projects in Chapter 7: Mitigation Action Plans.
Chapter 1: The Hazard Mitigation Plan 1-8
1.5 Implementation Opportunities
Many of the localities within the planning region may have capacity issues which challenge their
ability to implement this plan,as discussed in Chapter 5. One way to address these challenges
is to proactively identify projects which could benefit from technical assistance through the
Regional Commission.
The Regional Commission creates an annual budget and workprogram each year to identify
projects of regional significance or which are high priority for local technical assistance. Projects
identified in this plan as either of regional significance or as critical to a local government's ability
to address hazards should be considered on an annual basis for incorporation into that document.
In the first round of project updates,the Regional Commission will work with member localities to
identify candidates for the FY2028 workprogram.This review will be conducted annually.
Chapter 1:The Hazard Mitigation Plan 1-9
[blank]
Chapter 1:The Hazard Mitigation Plan 1-10
Chapter 2. The Regional Profile
2.1 The Planning Region
The Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission service area lies in western Virginia and
includes the counties of Alleghany, Botetourt, Craig, Franklin and Roanoke; the cities of
Covington, Roanoke and Salem; and the towns of Boones Mill, Buchanan, Clifton Forge,
Fincastle, Iron Gate, New Castle, Rocky Mount,Troutville,and Vinton.The localities of Franklin
County, Boones Mill and Rocky Mount, are also served by West Piedmont Planning District
Commission,and are covered by that district's plan.All other localities within the Roanoke Valley-
Alleghany service area will be covered by this document. These are the same localities that
participated in the 2006 and 2013 and 2019 iterations of this plan.
Communities within the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Region may have vastly different capacities
and planning ability, which is reflected in this plan. Unincorporated areas within broader
jurisdictions may be referenced where appropriate.
RVARC Hazard Mitigation Plan Sondes Aram
.�
H
Allegheny County
ii.Town of Clifton Forge
City of ern gton
Botetourt County
Craig County
Gty,af Sale��m 7o~wn of Vi
"\CIt;ot Roanokolb
Roanoke County
Ronda Vary MPO o 4 a le Vw
Figure 3:The Planning Region
Chapter 2:The Regional Profile 2-1
Location and Topography
The Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Region (the region)is on the eastern border of the Appalachian
Plateau and the western slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains.Two major river basins characterize
the region. The James River, flowing east through Botetourt County, ultimately reaches the
Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. The Roanoke River flows through the district in a
southeasterly direction to North Carolina before reaching the Atlantic.Both river basins serve as
development corridors. Although the planning area includes the Roanoke metropolitan area,
much of the region is rural.Approximately 212,039 acres of federal land lies within the National
Forest and Blue Ridge Parkway system.
The predominant physical characteristic of the region is the mountainous terrain. Forty-eight
percent of the land area has slopes of 25 percent or greater.Within the region, mountain ridges
run southwest to northeast. There are large concentrations of steep land in northern Botetourt
County and Alleghany County.A broken ring of steep lands surrounds the Roanoke metropolitan
area. Past development has been influenced greatly by topographic characteristics. The higher
elevations have remained in open or forest use while the more moderate foothills and river valleys
have been developed.
Floodplains impose considerable restraints on land development activities. In the past, heavy
flooding has caused considerable property damage to existing development in floodplains.The
region has several major floodplain areas along the Roanoke, James and Jackson Rivers, and
the Peters, Mason,Garvin,Tinker,Glade,Mud Lick and Smith Creeks.
Chapter 2:The Regional Profile 2-2
/ !f {r4 0C aV Ceun(Y
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Under 100011
1001•.1500ft " x ib"'t'
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`;-James River 3001.3500n
us NewRiver River Basins and Flood Are ' 3501.e000ft Regional Topography
v Ns Roanoke River A 'r. Ova/4000n
s01ee
Figure 4:River Basins and Flood Areas Figure 5:Regional Topography
Chapter 2:The Regional Profile 2-3
Climate
The region is located in agricultural zones 7a and 7b and is characterized by hot,wet summers,
cold winters with mild to moderate precipitation,and fluctuating shoulder seasons.Summer high
temperatures average around the mid-80s across the region, with higher temperatures in the
urbanized areas of the Roanoke Valley.Winter low temperatures average in the 40s in the coldest
months of December and January,with colder temperatures felt in the higher elevations of the
Alleghany Highlands.The area receives significant annual rainfall, with annual averages in the
Roanoke Valley typically around 40 inches per year according to National Weather Service
records.
Table 2:Average High and Low Temperatures
Daily average high and low temperatures(°F)
High
Month E1121211211 Apr wi®®ri Sept Oct Nov Dec
Roanoke
��� 0 �E3
Covington 43 80
Low
Month mem" Apr cei®®rrari Oct Nov Dec
Roanoke 30 ® 40 mnummtzi 60 40
®�
Covington m 46 inrimismin m®
Data from Weatherspark.com,accessed 5/15/25.
Population
In 2023, the overall population of the region was around 280,000 people, with the majority of
residents located in the City of Roanoke and Roanoke County.Key demographic factors to assess
in a community's resilience to hazards include age and income. These factors can indicate
vulnerability to shocks—for example,a family with children may have a harder time relocating or
require more services at a public shelter; the elderly often have special medical needs; and
households with low income can face inhibited options post-disaster and require more public
assistance.Tables 3 through 5 show basic population data for the region.
Much of the population in Allegheny County, Botetourt County, and the Town of Clifton Forge is
aging,with the median age being 48 years or older.This is ten years older than the median age
across the Commonwealth.As this trend progresses over the lifetime of this planning document,
it will likely have impacts on how hazard mitigation and response are carried out in these localities.
There is a projected increase in population across the region in the next 25 years.However,some
localities, including Alleghany and Craig Counties,are projected to see a fall in population,likely
due to aging and internal migration.
The National Risk Index displays information about social vulnerability based off the CDC Social
Vulnerability Index. Highest levels of social vulnerability occur in the Cities of Roanoke and
Covington.
Chapter 2:The Regional Profile Page 12-4
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany National Risk
Index Social Vulnerability Rating
71,
Legend r ,�
r.�'
National Risk Index
Social Vulnerability-
Rating
Very Low
al Relatively Low
I I Relatively Moderate
MI Relatively High
▪Very High
▪No Data
Figure 6:NR!Social Vulnerabrhty Rating
Chapter 2:The Regional Profile Page 12-5
Table 3:Population Projections by Locality,CEDS 2025
Locality 2023 2030 2040 2050
Alleghany County* 11,479 13,993 12,805 11,809
Botetourt County 33,875 33,556 34,588 36,138
Craig County 4,881 4,528 4,363 4,264
Roanoke County' 89,755 100,027 104,046 109,621
City of Covington 5,671 5,434 5,075 4,792
City of Roanoke 98,677 101,514 102,529 105,079
City of Salem 25,477 25,519 25,438 25,737
Town of Clifton Forge 3,483 - - -
Town of Vinton 8,038 - - -
RVARC Region 280,336 284,571 288,844 297,440
Virginia 8,657,499 9,129,002 9,759,371 10,535,810
*Excludes Town of Clifton Forge.Excludes Town of Vinton population.
Table 4:Population Distribution by Age,CEDS 2025
Locality Median Under 5 to 20 to 35 to 55 to 65 and
Age 5 19 34 54 64 over
Alleghany 48.1 603 2,268 2,420 3,211 2,338 3,801
County*
Botetourt County 48.1 1,437 5,648 4,960 8,306 5,519 8,005
Craig County 46.1 359 999 551 1,112 921 939
Roanoke County 43.7 3,891 15,682 14,649 22,772 12,188 19,573
Covington City 41.5 332 1,238 927 1,242 829 1,103
Roanoke City 38.0 6,353 17,891 20,304 24,421 12,481 17,227
Salem City 40.3 1,039 4,958 5,093 6,047 3,375 4,965
Town of Clifton 53.5 231 607 589 640 524 892
Forge
Town of Vinton 39.7 431 11,478 1,570 1,833 1,165 1,531
Virginia 38.8 495,281 1,638,E 1,737,4 2,255,5 1,120,4 1,410,160
40 62 22 34
Table 5:Median Household Income,American Community Survey
Locality Median Household Income
Alleghany County $ 52,546.00
Botetourt County $ 77,680.00
Craig County $ 66,286.00
Covington City $ 45,737.00
Roanoke City $ 51,523.00
Roanoke County $ 80,872.00
Salem City $ 68,402.00
Chapter 2:The Regional Profile Page 12-6
Development Trends
The region contains a significant portion of the Roanoke,Virginia Metropolitan Statistical Area,
which includes the counties of Botetourt,Craig,Roanoke and Franklin,the Cities of Roanoke and
Salem.This is the fourth largest MSA in Virginia and the largest in the western half of the state.
Most of the region's largest employers are in the industries of government,healthcare,education,
banking and insurance,and retail.
Table 6:50 Largest Regional Employers
1.Roanoke Memorial Community Hospital 26.City of Salem School Board
2.HCA Virginia Health System 27.Carter Machinery Company
3.Roanoke County School Board 28.Marvin Windows
4.U.S.Department of Veterans Affairs 29.Yokohama Tire Corp.
5.Wal Mart 30.Roanoke College
6.Carilion Services 31.YMCA
7.City of Roanoke 32.Lake Region Medical
8.Roanoke City School Board 33.County of Franklin
9.Kroger 34.VDOT
10.Wells Fargo Bank NA 35.Allegheny Highlands Public Schools
11.County of Roanoke 36.Carilion Healthcare
12.Cornerstone Building Brands Service 37.Dynax America Corporation
13.U.P.S. 38.Adams Construction Company
14.Franklin County School Board 39.Davis H.Elliot Company,Inc.
15.Alliance Group Rock Tenn 40.Steel Dynamics Roanoke Bar Div
16.Altec Industries Inc 41.Coca Cola Bottling Company
17.Friendship Manor 42.Bimbo Bakeries USA INC
18.Postal Service 43.Paychecks Plus
19.Advance Auto Parts 44.Virginia Western Community College
20.Botetourt County School Board 45.Branch Highways
21.Virginia Transformer Corporation 46.County of Botetourt
22.Food Lion 47.Franklin Memorial Hospital
23.Lowes'Home Centers,Inc. 48.US Foodservice
24.Elbit Systems of America-Night Vision 49.Metalse Roanoke
25.City of Salem 50.Mcdonald's
Sourrr Virginia Employment Commission,Economic Information 8 Analytics, Quarterly Census d Employment and
Wages(QCEW),3rd Quarter(July,August,September)2024.Note:Data includes all localities within Roanoke Valley-
Allegheny Regional Commission service area.
Chapter 2:The Regional Profile Page 12-7
Of particular interest to this planning effort is the importance of healthcare to the regional
economy.Carilion Medical Center(also known as Roanoke Memorial Hospital)is one of only six
Level I Trauma Centers in the Commonwealth.It is also one of only three Level I Pediatric Trauma
Centers. Disruptions to service at Roanoke Memorial Hospital can have far-reaching effects
across the Southwest Virginia region. Nearby LewisGale Medical Center in Salem is a Level II
Trauma Center. Both facilities may provide critical services in disaster events to communities
outside of the Roanoke Valley—Alleghany Region.Table 7 shows staffed and licensed beds for
area hospitals,which can be used to assess capacity in disaster events.Nearby hospitals outside
of the service area include Carilion New River Valley Medical Center, LewisGale Montgomery,
Carillon Franklin Memorial, and Carillon Rockbridge Community, and, further afield, Centra
General Hospital and UVA Medical Center.
Table 7:Number of Licensed and Staffed Beds in Area Hospitals,2025
Hospital Number of Staffed Beds Number of Licensed Beds
Carilion Medical Center 694 752
LewisGale Salem 321 506
LewisGale Alleghany 110 205
The RVARC produces a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy document every five
years which should be referenced to better understand the economic picture of the region. Key
project areas from the 2025 CEDS are included in Table 8.A full list of projects can be found in
the CEDS document.
Table 8:Priority Project Categories,CEDS 2025
Priority Project Categories
1. Develop regional broadband infrastructure and increased connectivity.
2. Encourage and develop advanced manufacturing facilities
3. Focus for workforce development programs to meet needs in target industry
sectors.
4. Focus on transportation infrastructure: Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport,
Amtrak,highways,and commuting
5. Continue success in outdoor tourism with regional and local greenway systems,
Explore Park
6. Support and encourage industrial site development and upgrades.
7. Develop a wider range of homeownership and rental housing opportunities.
8. Promote and encourage attraction of biotech and life sciences clusters
9. Support local agriculture,growers,and producers.
10. Perform a gap analysis to develop regional quality of life amenities.
Chapter 2:The Regional Profile Page 12-8
Local governments were asked to provide building permit data to help clarify development
patterns in the region.The following overview reflects building trends including new construction,
demolitions,and improved parcels from 2019 to September 2025.
Internal tracking systems vary widely among jurisdictions,and in some cases,data are incomplete
or inconsistent across time periods.Some localities do not distinguish between types of structures
when measuring improvements(e.g.homes vs.mobile home hookups vs.storage units).Others
provided only parcel data while some reported only structures built before a certain time,current
occupied housing units,or buildings which receive refuse collection.Some localities were not able
to provide this data.As a result,the dataset may not capture the full extent of building activity and
development across years or jurisdictions.
• Alleghany County
O 7,123 buildings recorded in the 2019 refuse collection file;6,439 in the 2025 refuse
collection file.
O 65 demolitions recorded in this period.
• Clifton Forge
O There has been very little growth since 1990.
c Residential Historic Overlay District with 730 contributing structures; Commercial
Historic Overlay District with 77 contributing structures.
o Currently 13 churches, 109 commercial buildings,and 140 vacant buildings.
• Craig County
O 232 building permits from 2019-2025(over 256 sq ft).
O 34 units were demolished in this period.
• Roanoke County
O 67,425 buildings before 2019.
O 72,832 buildings in 2025.
O 203 demolitions recorded in this period.
• City of Roanoke
O 1,018 building permits issued for new residential and commercial structures
(including accessory structures and 82 demolitions)since January 1,2020.
• City of Salem
O 10,582 parcels(9,565 improved)in 2019.
O 10,650 parcels(9,690 improved)in 2025.
O 20 demolitions recorded in this period.
• Town of Vinton
O Steady decline in building permits since 2008.
O As of 2022,there were 3,686 occupied housing units.
Chapter 2:The Regional Profile Page 12-9
Historic and Cultural Resources
Virginia has a deep cultural history,and this portion of Virginia is no exception.The service area
is located within Southwest Virginia and shares cultural ties to the wider Appalachian region. For
many communities,historic and cultural resources are a catalyst for economic development and
source of pride for residents. Historic properties can be located throughout a locality and the
number of structures varies widely. The potentially devastating effects that flooding and other
disasters can have on historic properties are not always considered in mitigation planning. More
information about specific considerations of hazard mitigation on historic properties is included in
Chapter 4: Risk Assessment.
Local governments should work with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources,VDEM,and
local preservation groups to identify historic buildings and sites in need of hazard mitigation.
These efforts should follow the guidance in Integrating Historic Property and Cultural Resource
Considerations into Hazard Mitigation Planning (FEMA 386-6).
Chapter 2:The Regional Profile Page 12-10
2.2 Infrastructure and Critical Facilities
Infrastructure
Several infrastructure elements contribute to a robust regional socioeconomic space. These
elements affect how people get around, how they meet basic needs, and how they access
employment.
Transportation
Interstate 64 bisects Alleghany County in an east-west direction while passing through the City of
Covington and Town of Clifton Forge. Interstate 81 crosses Botetourt and Roanoke counties in a
northeast-southwest direction and includes an urban connector 1-581 that links 1-81 to the central
business district of the City of Roanoke.Other arterial routes in the area include US 11 in Botetourt
and Roanoke counties;US 60 in Alleghany County;US 220 passing through Alleghany,Botetourt,
and Roanoke counties; US 221 and 460 in Roanoke County; and State Primary Route 311 in
Alleghany and Craig counties.
Air service is available at the Roanoke Regional Airport that provides nonstop service from
Roanoke, Virginia to nine major cities. Rail service for freight is provided by the Buckingham
Branch Railroad, CSX Transportation and Norfolk Southern Railway. Passenger train service is
available from Amtrak at stations in the Town of Clifton Forge and City of Roanoke, and an
additional passenger rail station is planned in Christiansburg,with rights-of-way managed by the
Virginia Passenger Rail Authority.There are also several fixed-route bus lines in the region.
Chapter 2:The Regional Profile Page 12-11
Fixed-Route Transit in the a
R
RVARC Service Area
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T a/ Mil*.A County /� _ �' My~ 1
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Figure 7.Regional Transportation Facilities Figure 8:Regional Transit Connections
Chapter 2:The Regional Profile Page 12-12
Housing
The region faces a housing shortage as the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Housing Market
Study Analysis (2021). The biggest challenges to the regional housing market are identified as
follows:
• The Region's population has been slowly but consistently growing over the last 50 years,
with the percentage of the elderly population increasing.
• One,two,and three-person households comprise the largest share of households in the
Region,but over the last five years,more growth has occurred in larger households of four
or more people.
• The number of vacant units has been increasing in the Region. This, in part, has been
driven by the seasonal home market,which accounts for 30%of all vacant units.
• Nearly 82% of housing units in the Region were constructed before 1980, leaving the
Region with a much older housing stock than what is found in many other parts of the
Commonwealth.
• Over the last five years, the median gross rent in the Region increased by 14%. The
average rent for a single-family home is around$1,000 per month,while rent in multifamily
buildings averaged$1,200 per month.
• There are significant differences in the percentage of renter of owner households
classified as cost burdened across the Region.Approximately 20%of owner households
are experiencing some level of cost burden compared to 41%of renters.It is typical to see
a broad difference between these two groups,but it also speaks to the need for affordably
priced housing for renter households.
• The number of renter households that qualify for affordable rental housing at the 30%of
AMI level exceeds the number of units available at that price point.There is a projected
deficit of 5,324 units, meaning many extremely low-income households are having to
spend more than is recommended on housing costs. This further exacerbates housing
affordability and cost burden challenges.
The CEDS offers a more updated overview of housing statistics,including annual home sales and
estimated vacancy rates.
Chapter 2:The Regional Profile Page 12-13
Utilities
The region contains three major electricity providers,Appalachian Power, Dominion Power,and
Craig-Botetourt Electric Co-op.The City of Salem also operates a substation. Roanoke Gas and
Columbia Gas are other major energy service providers in the region.This form of infrastructure
relies on long,linear facilities often bracketed by substations.The location of these facilities can
impact development in the region.Major energy production projects such as large-scale wind and
solar are a new type of development that continues to expand in the area. Mountain Valley
Pipeline is another key infrastructure project which has provided additional natural gas service to
the region.
Disruptions to energy can have disproportionate impacts on vulnerable populations. Energy
service provision is a key first step in post-disaster response, and future involvement of these
stakeholders in hazard mitigation plans is recommended.
Clean water and sanitation are also key concerns following a disaster event.While regional water
supply planning is mandated by the state,a high level overview of drought as a hazard is included
in Chapter 3:Hazard Identification.Key players in the provision of water and sanitation include
the Western Virginia Water Authority(WVWA),which provides water and sewer services to much
of the service area, including the City of Roanoke, Roanoke County, Botetourt County,the Town
of Fincastle, and the Town of Vinton.Additionally, the Craig-New Castle PSA, which provides
water and sewer services to Craig County and the Town of New Castle,has recently entered into
an administration agreement with WVWA. WVWA is a special district included in this plan.
Additional water and sewer provision is provided by Alleghany County, the Cities of Covington
and Salem, and the Towns of Buchanan, Clifton Forge, Iron Gate, and Troutville. Small private
service providers also exist in the region.
In December of 2023 the Virginia Department of Health published a report on infrastructure needs
which focuses on sewer and on-site facilities such as septic. This report estimates that $288
million of investment are needed to maintain or improve current systems across the RVARC
service area. Many sewage processing facilities are located near rivers and streams. Septic
systems are also vulnerable to flooding, which can have downstream impacts on water quality
and cause ripple effects for the community. These cost estimates are valuable data points in
posing future projects and solutions for the region,including hazard mitigation projects.
Table 9:Regional Sewer and Septic Needs,VDH
Locality Community Needs Onsite Needs Total Needs
Allegheny $ 9,344,076.00 $ 18,631,769.00 $ 27,975,845.00
Botetourt $ 6,857,960.00 $ 44,805,866.00 $ 51,663,826.00
Covington $ 5,605,860.00 $ 207,632.00 $ 5,813,492.00
Craig $ - $ 6,752,172.00 $ 6,752,172.00
Roanoke County $ - $ 168,614,006.00 $ 168,614,006.00
Roanoke City $ - $ 9,335,610.00 $ 9,335,610.00
Salem $ 17,593,337.00 $ 569,056.00 $ 18,162,393.00
Total $ 39,401,233.00 $248,916,111.00 $288,317,344.00
Chapter 2:The Regional Profile Page 12-14
Outdoor Recreation Facilities
Outdoor recreation is a key part of the regional economy with more than$42 million in local tax
revenue coming from visitors to the region. Greenways and trails are often located in areas
particularly vulnerable to disaster events, such as on steep slopes or in floodplains. The
Appalachian Trail is a key draw to the region,but other facilities of note include Carvins Cove,the
Explore Park,the Roanoke Valley greenway network,the Jackson River Trail,Douthat State Park,
the Blue Ridge Parkway,and the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests.
Table 10:2023 Tax Revenues from Travel,VTC
Locality 2023 Tax Revenue
Allegheny $ 1,236,865.00
Botetourt $ 3,104,204.00
Covington $ 719,478.00
Craig $ 145,191.00
Roanoke $ 6,785,403.00
Roanoke City $ 24,463,510.00
Salem $ 5,746,444.00
While much of the public lands in the area are managed by federal and state partners, local
governments maintain numerous parks and trails in the region, including the Explore Park,
Carvins Cove, and the greenway network. Managing these facilities is a significant part of local
budgets,and even relatively mild storm events can have a disproportionate impact on staff time
and materials costs. In some cases, greenway and park networks serve as transportation
infrastructure for those who use alternative transportation to commute.
Chapter 2:The Regional Profile Page 12-15
Critical and Vulnerable Facilities
Critical Facilities are those that provide services to the public during an emergency. Examples
of this include Public Safety structures, Public Assembly Sites & Shelters, Medical Structures,
Utility Structures,and Transportation Structures.
Vulnerable Facilities are those that will require special attention during an emergency.Examples
of this include Large Scale Housing Complexes of 50 or more total units or those with elderly or
sick residents,Child/Day Care Facilities,Manufacturing Sites I Warehouses,and Tier 2 Facilities.
These definitions collectively fulfill the requirement for critical facilities listings for pre-disaster
hazard mitigation planning and the community rating system program.
A full listing of Critical and Vulnerable Facilities identified in this plan is included in Appendix G.
High hazard dams are also included in this plan and references to these facilities are located in
Chapter 3,Section 3.4;Chapter 4,Section 4.3;and Appendix H.
Critical Facilities Vulnerable Facilities
• Public Safety: Fire & Rescue, Law • Large-Scale Housing Complexes(50 or
Enforcement,etc. more total units), Nursing & Assisted
Living Homes, Recovery Care,etc.
• Public Assembly & Shelters: Schools,
Government Buildings, Community • Child/Day Care Facilities
Centers,etc.
• Manufacturing Sites / Warehouses:
• Medical Structures: Hospitals, Clinics, Potential for dangerous Materials
Pharmacies etc.
• Tier 2 Facilities
• Utility Structures: Pumps, Wells, Water
Treatment,Power Generation,etc.
• Transportation Structures: Airports,
Transit Hubs,Evacuations Routes,etc.
Chapter 2:The Regional Profile Page 12-16
Chapter 3.Hazard Identification
3.1 Hazards for Assessment
The region is subject to a variety of hazard events, many of which will be assessed in this
document. The following kinds of hazard events have been documented through the NCEI
database maintained by NOAA.
• Debris Flow • High Wind
• Drought • Lightning
• Extreme Cold/Wind Chill • Strong Wind
• Flash Flood • Thunderstorm Wind
• Flood • Tornado
• Hail • Winter Storm
• Heavy Rain • Winter Weather
• Heavy Snow
The locations and number of events for each of these hazard events is visible in Table 1:Hazard
Events and Locations.
The Steering Committee identified several hazards for assessment in the plan based off of this
data,federal disaster declarations included in Table 2,and historic hazard assessments.
• Extreme Temperature
• Flooding
• Hurricane and Tropical Storm
• Wind Event
• Winter Storm
Additional hazards which will be assessed will include:
• Earthquake
• Karst
• Landslide
• Wildfire
Hazards not assessed in this document include drought and pandemics. High hazard potential
dams are assessed under flooding unless otherwise noted, with supplementary materials
contained in Appendix H.
The 2019 Plan details all historic disaster declarations and disaster events by hazard. This
document will only provide details around disaster events which have occurred since the data
collected in the 2019 Plan,or historic events which can provide key learning for hazard mitigation.
A comprehensive record of all events since data collection began is not the aim of this chapter.
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-1
Table 11:Hazard Events and Locations
Number of Number of
Event Types Events Event Types Events
Debris Flow 1 Heavy Snow 2
BOTETOURT
ROANOKE CITY 1 (ZONE) 1
ROANOKE
Drought 11 (ZONE) 1
ALLEGHANY(ZONE) 3 High Wind 33
ALLEGHANY
BOTETOURT(ZONE) 3 (ZONE) 5
BOTETOURT
CRAIG(ZONE) 3 (ZONE) 5
ROANOKE(ZONE) 2 CRAIG(ZONE) 3
Extreme Cold/Wind ROANOKE
Chill 3 (ZONE) 20
BOTETOURT(ZONE) 1 Lightning 4
CRAIG(ZONE) 1 ALLEGHANY CO. 1
ROANOKE(ZONE) 1 BOTETOURT CO. 1
Flash Flood 21 ROANOKE CITY 1
COVINGTON
ALLEGHANY CO. 2 CITY 1
BOTETOURT CO. 7 Strong Wind 6
BOTETOURT
CRAIG CO. 1 (ZONE) 2
ROANOKE CO. 4 CRAIG(ZONE) 1
ROANOKE
ROANOKE CITY 6 (ZONE) 3
COVINGTON CITY 1
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-2
Number of Number of
Event Types Events Event Types Events
Thunderstorm
Flood 37 Wind 168
ALLEGHANY CO. 2 ALLEGHANY CO. 21
BOTETOURT CO. 9 BOTETOURT CO. 54
CRAIG CO. 2 CRAIG CO. 15
ROANOKE CO. 11 ROANOKE CO. 71
ROANOKE CITY 10 ROANOKE CITY 1
SALEM CITY 3 SALEM CITY 4
COVINGTON
Hail 27 CITY 2
ALLEGHANY CO. 4 Tornado 2
BOTETOURT CO. 7 BOTETOURT CO. 1
CRAIG CO. 1 SALEM CITY 1
ROANOKE CO. 11 Winter Storm 28
ALLEGHANY
ROANOKE CITY 2 (ZONE) 6
BOTETOURT
SALEM CITY 2 (ZONE) 7
Heavy Rain 17 CRAIG(ZONE) 8
ROANOKE
ALLEGHANY CO. 1 (ZONE) 7
BOTETOURT CO. 3 Winter Weather 3
ALLEGHANY
CRAIG CO. 3 (ZONE) 2
ROANOKE
ROANOKE CO. 4 (ZONE) 1
ROANOKE CITY 4 All Hazard Events 363
SALEM CITY 1
COVINGTON CITY 1
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-3
Table 12:FEMA Disaster Declarations since 2018
Declaration Date Incident Type Title or Name Affected Areas
SEVERE
Friday,April 4,2025 Severe Storm WINTER Craig(County)
STORMS AND
FLOODING
Botetourt(County)
Craig(County)
Tuesday,October 1,2024 Tropical Storm TROPICAL Covington
STORM HELENE g
Roanoke
Roanoke(County)
POST-TROPICAL Craig(County)
Sunday,September 29,2024 Tropical Storm CYCLONE
HELENE Covington
Alleghany(County)
Botetourt(County)
Craig(County)
, 2,2020 Biological COVID-19
Thursday,AprilPANDEMIC Roanoke(County)
Covington
Roanoke
Salem
Alleghany(County)
Botetourt(County)
Craig(County)
Friday,March 13,2020 Biological COVID-19
Roanoke(County)
Covington
Roanoke
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-4
3.2 Earthquake
Definition of Hazard
An earthquake is a sudden,rapid shaking of the Earth caused by the breaking and shifting of rock
beneath the Earth's surface. Ground shaking from earthquakes can collapse buildings and
bridges;disrupt gas,electric, and phone service;and sometimes trigger landslides,avalanches,
flash floods, and fires. Buildings with foundations resting on unconsolidated landfill and other
unstable soil as well as trailers and homes not tied to their foundations are at risk because they
can be shaken off their mountings during an earthquake. When an earthquake occurs in a
populated area,it may cause deaths and injuries and extensive property damage.
Ground movement during an earthquake is seldom the direct cause of death or injury. Most
earthquake-related injuries result from falls, collapsing walls, flying glass, and falling objects.
Much of the damage in earthquakes is predictable and preventable. Primary impacts from
earthquakes are structural damage and loss of life.
There are two common ways of measuring earthquake intensity.The Modified Mercalli Intensity
Scale, composed of 12 increasing levels of intensity that range from imperceptible shaking to
catastrophic destruction,is a value assigned to a specific site after an earthquake has occurred,
and is assigned based on the severity of the effects of the event. The lower numbers of the
intensity scale generally deal with the way the earthquake is felt by people.The higher numbers
of the scale are based on observed structural damage. Structural engineers usually contribute
information for assigning intensity values of VIII or above. In contrast,the more common Richter
scale is used to scientifically measure an earthquake's magnitude, regardless of impact, based
on the energy released by the event.
The Virginia Tech Seismological Observatory (VTSO) operates a digital seismic network with
stations in Virginia and southern West Virginia.Along with other southeastern regional seismic
networks and the U.S. National Seismic Network (USNSN), VTSO contributes to earthquake
monitoring, information dissemination and seismic hazard assessment objectives in the
southeastern United States. In 1991, Virginia Tech combined with other institutions in North
Carolina and Tennessee to form the Southern Appalachian Cooperative Seismic Network to
coordinate earthquake monitoring and data exchange.
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-5
I. Not felt except by a very few under especially favorable conditions.
II.Felt only by a few persons at rest,especially on upper floors of buildings.
III.Felt quite noticeably by persons indoors,especially on upper floors of buildings.Many
people do not recognize it as an earthquake. Standing motor cars may rock slightly.
Vibrations similar to the passing of a truck.Duration estimated.
IV. Felt indoors by many, outdoors by few during the day.At night, some awakened.
Dishes,windows,doors disturbed;walls make cracking sound.Sensation like heavy truck
striking building.Standing motor cars rocked noticeably.
V. Felt by nearly everyone; many awakened. Some dishes, windows broken. Unstable
objects overturned.Pendulum clocks may stop.
VI. Felt by all, many frightened. Some heavy furniture moved; a few instances of fallen
plaster. Damage slight.
VII. Damage negligible in buildings of good design and construction;slight to moderate
in well-built ordinary structures; considerable damage in poorly built or badly designed
structures;some chimneys broken.
VIII. Damage slight in specially designed structures; considerable damage in ordinary
substantial buildings with partial collapse.Damage great in poorly built structures.Fall of
chimneys,factory stacks,columns,monuments,walls. Heavy furniture overturned.
IX. Damage considerable in specially designed structures; well-designed frame
structures thrown out of plumb. Damage great in substantial buildings, with partial
collapse.Buildings shifted off foundations.
X. Some well-built wooden structures destroyed; most masonry and frame structures
destroyed with foundations. Rails bent.
Xl. Few, if any (masonry) structures remain standing. Bridges destroyed. Rails bent
greatly.
XII.Damage total.Lines of sight and level are distorted.Objects thrown into the air.
Figure 9:Modified Mercalli Intensity Levelst
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-6
Historic Event Descriptions
The southern portion of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Region is part of the Giles County Seismic
Zone, including the Cities of Roanoke and Salem, the Counties of Craig, Roanoke, and the
southern portion of Botetourt,and the Town of Vinton.Map 1 shows data collected by the Virginia
Department of Emergency Management, where historical event information was used to
approximate the three seismic zones across the Commonwealth.
Earthquake Epicenter 49'Density)Numisq mile) r _ ✓
LOW Dens t I fF'4f
L_J
•
Densit,
central Virpinu
Seismic Zone
Gees CountEastern
Tennessee Seismic Zone i ,t
Seismic Zone
00
Mies
zs L) i
Figure 10:Virginia Seismic Zones, Virginia Department of Energy
Since 1774,the year of the earliest documented Virginia earthquake,there have been over 300
earthquakes in or near the Commonwealth.Of those, 18 earthquakes had reports of intensity VI
or higher.The largest earthquake in Virginia was the 1897 Giles County shock which registered
an intensity of VIII.It was felt over 11 states(approximately 280,000 square miles).The estimated
magnitude for this event was 5.8, making it the third largest earthquake in the eastern United
States in the last 200 years (second largest in the southeastern U.S.). On August 23, 2011, a
magnitude 5.8 earthquake occurred 5 miles south-southwest of Mineral, Virginia (150 miles
northeast of Roanoke).The Mineral event was Virginia's strongest earthquake in over a century.
While several small quakes have occurred,no major earthquakes have occurred in Virginia since
2011.
There have only been two earthquakes with epicenters in the planning area since the last update
of this plan. One occurred near New Castle at a magnitude of 2.5 in December of 2019. The
second occurred near the Roanoke County and Montgomery County border at a magnitude of
2.6 in September of 2021. Neither registered as higher than III or IV on the Mercalli Intensity
Scale.One earthquake affected the region with an epicenter outside of the region.On August 9,
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-7
2020 a magnitude 5.1 earthquake struck near the Virginia border of North Carolina,with effects
felt throughout the study area.
There has not been a Presidential or State Disaster Declaration in the planning region for
earthquakes.
USGS Community Internet Intensity Map
VIRGINIA
2019-12-11 09:41:34 UTC 37.4645N 80.3517W M2.5 Depth: 14 km ID.se60096323
1 y r 1
I 4
38'N - -38'N
eedOey •
37.5'N - -37.5'N
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Blacksburg
Chrsi,ansburq
37'N - -3TN
13 responses. 12 potted in 11 ZIP codes Maxr COI_1111 20 miles
•
81'W 80.5'W 80'W 79.5'W
sliMNG Nor YR qb/ 4gu Wor n 51oq , Ong !wave rue. L.'erns
DAMAGE. n,re ncr. nun. s y qyr lion lloara• MoirrRnNsory Ns•sy V.y Nary
PITENSITY I Ill
Processes.T..e Dec'7 21 3630 20,9."c14
Figure 11:Community Intensity Map,New Castle Earthquake 2019
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-8
USGS Community Internet Intensity Map
VIRGINIA
2021-09-27 13.3724 UTC 37.2785N 80.201W M2.6 Depth:12 km ID:se60135043
_._.. _ t __.L
38'N - -38'N
37.5'N - 37.5'N
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c,, v ist::Ry 1
37'N- F 3TN
Mannayae
e36.5'N - responses. 4 plotted n Z F _IV' • 20 miles 1-
36.5'N
POAH
81'W 80.5'W 80'W 79.5'W
9$M[NG NNt let HbM Login MCArste Acing a'sy zamg ass .'-`
DAMAGE E ..a . Light Modena. MderasNmey Very Heart
INTENS,TY 1 INr IV
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Figure 12:Community Intensity Map,Roanoke County Earthquake 2021
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-9
USGS Community Internet Intensity Map
VIRGINIA-NORTH CAROLINA BORDER REGION
2020 08 09 12:07:37 UTC 36.4743N 81.0865W M5.1 Depth 4 km ID se60324281
it,..,,,,..
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38 N � .r ` _ -38'N
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Processed.Sur.Apr ;�f 50:43?Y24 vmdf.f
Figure 13:Community Imensi[y Map,North Carolina Earthquake 2020
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-10
3.3 Extreme Temperature
Definition of Hazard
As described in Section 3.1,for the purposes of this plan Extreme Temperature will mean both
extreme heat and extreme cold.While some strategies to address extreme heat and extreme cold
may differ, the general strategies of weatherization, temperature control in the home, and
emergency shelters remain consistent across these disaster events.
There is no unified definition of extreme heat,and there are numerous ways to evaluate potential
heat stress.The wet bulb globe temperature(WBGT)is an international standard of measurement
that is often utilized by athletic programs and is best suited for those performing strenuous activity
outside. This measurement factors in solar radiation, temperature, relative humidity, and wind
speed. The heat index, more commonly seen in cell phone applications available to average
citizens,does not factor in solar radiation or wind speed,but does factor in relative humidity.This
is a more suitable temperature for assessing impacts of heat on indoor, unconditioned spaces..1
The climate of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Region is subject to high levels of humidity,meaning
that actual WBGT is likely higher than both the measured temperature and the heat index.Studies
of heat impacts do exist in the study area and focus primarily on urban heat island effect.
Parameter WB Heat Index _ temperature
Measured in the sun
Measured in the shade a 4111 solar radiation
Includes temperature •
Includes relative humidity e
6 relative humidity
Includes wind
Includes cloud cover s 1 1 1 wind speed
Includes sun angle 1
Figure 14:WBGT vs Heat Index Weathergov
Per the EPA, heat is the leading cause of weather-related death in the United States.2 Further
methods of evaluating heat and heat impacts should be assessed. For the purposes of this plan,
extreme heat will be defined as daytime high temperatures in excess of 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Extreme heat most often affects individual health, especially of the elderly, children, homeless
populations, and people with underlying health issues, but may also affect worker productivity,
infrastructure such as roads and the electric grid, and cause excess energy consumption. Such
impacts are further assessed in Chapter 4.
(National Weather Service)
2(Environmental Protection Agency,2025)
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-11
Wet Bulb Globe Temperature Risk Chart
WBGT flag Level of Risk Comments
Color
<18 C(<85'F) Green Low Risk low but still exists on the basis of risk factors
18'-23'C 185`-73 Fl ve8ox Moderate Rok level increases as event progresses Bva+gh the
day
23-28'C 173'-82'F) Red Hph Everyone should be aware of injury potential,
Individuals at Ask should not compete
>28-C(>82'F) Black Extreme or Consider rescheduling or delaying the event until
hazardous safer conditions prevail A the evert must take place
be on high alert.Take steps to reduce Ask factors
ley..more and longer rest breaks,reduced practice
tine.reduced exercise intensity.access to shade.
minimal clothing and equipment cold tubs at practce
sole etc
The WBGT can be measured with a WBGT meter. The calculation for the determination of WBGT is WBGT= 7 r Wet
Bulb temoerature)•2(Black Globe Tennperalue)• 1(Dry Bulb Temperature)
This trbtr $s Or gnaar pnntre•Rooms w0 kieglitill nWelMMwt ann rgnan snrsor.v,lo t•w xx-g d.s"SKR read meow;in Brn+n CM.Guepnssa+B to;
:AAF t44Srt innua'hr Ata.t.cs and Rona Racing Conprft.orts r PMreticrl Gilt M-o,scO I,trratc:'Anson Moon of Afnics Faerrrppns.n99a 39.05
Figure 15:WBGT and Safety
Similar to extreme heat,there is no unified definition of extreme cold.The way heat or cold is felt
likely depends on a variety of factors,including acclimatization of the individual.Factors such as
wind speed and humidity can affect how cold is felt in the body the same way that they can
exacerbate high temperatures. Extreme cold can have additional impacts on infrastructure
beyond those experienced with extreme heat, including most commonly frozen pipes. Frozen
pipes can cause a lack of access to clean, potable water, as seen in Richmond in January of
2025, and extensive property damage if not quickly identified and addressed. More information
on impacts of extreme cold is available in Chapter 4.
For the purposes of this plan, extreme cold will be defined as daytime high temperatures of 32
degrees or less.
Collectively, extreme temperature will be defined as days when high temperatures are greater
than 90 degrees or less than 32 degrees Fahrenheit.As this is the first time this hazard has been
assessed in an RVARC plan,all historic instances for which there is existing data are included in
this section.
Historic Event Descriptions
Historical temperature data is available from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration(NOAA)going back to 1948.Since that time,the Roanoke region has experienced
1,855 days of temperatures above 90 degrees Fahrenheit and 510 days of highs at or below 32
degrees Fahrenheit. Extreme heat days average around 24 days per year over this time period.
In the last ten years,extreme heat days have averaged 32 days per year.In contrast,the annual
average number of extreme cold days has been only 7 days per year,with the number dropping
to 5 days a year in the past ten years.
The Commonwealth has declared a state of emergency in the past due to winter weather,but no
declarations in the past five years dealt solely with extreme cold. Winter weather is further
analyzed later in this chapter.
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-12
Average daily lows can better reflect extreme heat in some cases,especially in urban areas.The
City of Roanoke undertook a heat island mapping study which provided more insight into the
effects of heat on City residents. More details of this mapping can be found on the Urban Heal
Island Effect page of the City's website. Further discussion of the City's work in this area will be
included in Chapter 4: Risk Assessment.
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-13
Extreme Cold Days by Year
30
25
20
15
10
5
o V h o C7 CO m N O - V N O V N O V CO V n N
00)) m m m m m m m m m m m 0 m m m m o 0 0 0 0 0 0
N N N N N N
-Extreme Cotd Days Number of Days
Figure 16:Extreme Cold Days by Year,Roanoke,VA
Extreme Heat Days by Year
60
50
All\1
40
30 \\ii\A\t/
20
10
0
co V N 0 AIv)D CO AD N to N V n o ) tD m N N V h o c7
V N e) e) CD CD cD o r r` n CO 0 CO 0) 0) 0) 0) 0 0 0 N N
m m m m m m CD m m m m m m m 0 m 0 D) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
NNNNNNNN
-Number of Hot Days
Figure 17:Extreme Heat Days by Year,Roanoke,VA
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-14
3.4 Flooding
Definition of Hazard
Widespread flooding or flash flooding impacts a large portion of the region. Watersheds in the
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany region are typical of the Blue Ridge region in which smaller streams
collect water which then flows through steep terrain,picking up velocity,and into the valleys and
flatlands along major rivers where development has occurred.The flood plains throughout these
mountainous areas are narrow, averaging less than 250 feet in most areas.These are also the
only flat areas where development could take place in this mountainous region. Most flood-
producing storms generally occur in the winter and spring.However,flooding due to intense local
thunderstorms or tropical disturbances can occur in any season.
Flood hazard areas,along with repetitive loss clusters,dams,flood prone roads,rain gauges and
other relevant spatial information for each jurisdiction participating in the plan are mapped in
Appendix D: Flood Hazard Areas.
It is important to note that the Regional Commission was not provided data regarding repetitive
loss property locations by FEMA due to a variety of issues, including the federal shutdown in
2025.Contact was made to FEMA during drafting and again in the revision process.The data in
Appendix D has been provided piecemeal from local governments where it has been updated and
otherwise reflects data available from the 2019 update.
Historic Event Descriptions
Alleghany County has experienced floods since its original settlement. Large floods occurred in
1877, 1913, 1936, 1969, 1972, 1973 and 1985. Hurricane Jeanne caused severe storms and
flooding in October 2004. Flood damage in the area is typically concentrated in and near
Covington and Clifton Forge. Because of the rural nature of the county, damages from flooding
are widespread. Damage occurs to roads,bridges,and public facilities such as schools.
The Jackson River flows through the City of Covington,towns of Clifton Forge and Iron Gate and
the communities of Low Moor and Selma. Gathright Dam,constructed in 1974, partially controls
flooding along the Jackson River. Despite this, floods still occur. Covington experienced large
floods on November 1877, March 1913, March 1936, March 1967, August 1969 (Hurricane
Camille),1972(Tropical Storm Agnes),March and December 1973,and November 1985.Tropical
Storm Agnes was the most severe of the events with as much as one-third of the city underwater.
In all, one church,three public buildings, two industrial plants,8 commercial buildings, and 490
private residences were damaged. In November 1985,a 100-year frequency rainstorm caused a
reported$17 million in damages in the City of Covington.
The US Army Corps of Engineers, 1986 report titled Flood Control Study,Jackson River, Lower
Jackson Street Residential Area, Covington, provides information about the major flood that
occurred in November 1985. An approximate 90-year flood event resulted in residential,
commercial, and municipal damage in the lower Jackson Street/Rayon Terrace neighborhood.
Residential losses included yard, basement,and first-floor damage in sixty-four(64)homes and
four(4)businesses. Municipal damage included debris in the city park, a sewage pump station
and damage to a storm sewer. Total residential, commercial and municipal damage were
estimated at$544,000. Structural and non-structural alternatives for this section of the city were
explored in a cost-benefit analysis and found to be infeasible.
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-15
Floods used in the 1978 Federal Insurance Administration study to describe the impact on the
town of Clifton Forge include the Flood of 1950 and Flood of 1969-both of which occurred prior
to construction of Gathright Dam. The 1950 flood included the flooding of basements, a
lumberyard, and the armory. The town's water supply was cut off when two water mains were
washed away.
Smith Creek flows north to south though the residential and commercial center of the Town of
Clifton Forge.In Clifton Forge,residential,public,and commercial development are concentrated
on both sides of Smith Creek.A number of large commercial buildings in the downtown area have
been constructed directly over Smith Creek. Floods have inundated portions of this land in the
past,and a substantially greater area is within reach of larger floods in the future.The 1969 Smith
Creek flooding caused the evacuation of 40 families and caused over$200,000 in damage to
town owned property.
Numerous flood events have been recorded in the Upper James River Basin in the counties of
Alleghany, Botetourt and Craig. The following water bodies in the basin have flooded: Dunlap
Creek,Potts Creek,Cowpasture River,Johns Creek,Craig Creek,and Catawba Creek.Records
show a history of major and frequent flooding.One of the worst floods to occur in Tinker Creek in
Botetourt County was in 1940.Another large flood occurred in 1961 along Buffalo Creek in what
is considered to be one of the worst storms of record.The unincorporated communities of Eagle
Rock, Glen Wilton, and Gala located in Botetourt County along the James River have all
experienced flooding.One of the worst floods for the James River occurred as a result of Tropical
Storm Agnes in 1972.Glen Wilton was isolated in 1972 due to floodwaters covering the only road
access to the community. The Botetourt Communities of Strom, Lithia, Cloverdale, and Coyner
have also been victims of floodwaters.A 1940 event caused severe damage in the Tinker Creek
basin.Buffalo Creek was impacted by a flood in 1961.
Historic floods in the community of Eagle Rock occurred in November 1985, November 1877,
March 1913,June 1972,April 1978,March 1936,and August 1969.The November 1985 and April
1978 floods were the only two significant flood events to affect the Eagle Rock area since the
completion of Gathright Dam. The community of Eagle Rock was severely flooded during the
November 1985 storm causing substantial damage to the commercial district and to many
residences.The 1985 storm was the storm of record with an exceedance frequency of 460 years.
Seventeen commercial properties and about 16 residences were damaged during the November
1985 flood.
The Town of Troutville has been damaged by flooding from Buffalo Creek several times in the
past.The flood in August 1961 was one of the worst floods in this basin,when"after two hours of
intense downpour, Buffalo Creek overflowed its banks. Several homes and basements were
flooded and travel on Highway 11 was hazardous due to excessive water.Also,there was about
2 feet of water around Rader Funeral Chapel in the major commercial area of the town"..3
Like other communities, the Town of Fincastle experienced extensive flooding as a result of
tropical storm Agnes in 1972.Town Branch overflowed its banks and, due largely to insufficient
bridge capacity at Highway 606,flooded the area between U.S.Highway 220 and Factory Street.
Neither discharges nor frequencies are currently available.
a(Roanoke Times,1961).
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-16
The James River in Botetourt County has experienced large floods in 1877, 1913, 1936, and
1969. The remains of hurricane Camille in 1969 caused flooding that destroyed homes, roads,
railroads,and bridges along the James River.
River stages and discharges on the James River at Buchanan have been recorded since 1895
by the USGS.Since 1877,the bank at full stage of 15 feet has been exceeded at least 60 times.
The greatest flood known to have occurred in Buchanan was in November 1877 and measured
34.9 feet at the USGS gage.Other large floods occurred in April 1886,March 1889, March 1902,
March 1913,January 1935,March 1936,March 1963,and August 1969.Tropical Storm Agnes in
1972 was the second highest storm of record. Few flood related problems have occurred on
Purgatory Creek in the Town of Buchanan because of lack of development in its watershed.
The Town of Buchanan has a primary sewage treatment plant on the James River.The plant is
subject to flooding and during the November 1985 flood was out of operation for 6 months.The
historic flood of record in Buchanan occurred in November 1985 (after completion of Gathright
Dam).The Town of Buchanan was devastated during the November 1985 storm which produced
the Flood of Record with an exceedance of 600 years. The river caused water damage and
structural damage to numerous buildings. Some buildings were completely washed away. The
railroad station was washed off its foundation and the historic footbridge was washed
downstream.People who expected their basements to be flooded had water up to their ceilings.
The history of flooding in the Roanoke Valley has been well documented since records were kept.
The flood of record was the November 1985 event.The most severe flooding on the Roanoke
River is usually the result of heavy rains associated with tropical storms,while tributary stream
flooding is usually the result of local thunderstorms or frontal systems. Flooding along tributaries
is compounded when the streams in lower elevations back-up into feeder streams.
Major floods in the area have occurred in 1940 and 1972 with discharges of 24,400 and 28,800
cfs, respectively, as measured at the USGS gage on the Roanoke River at Niagara Dam. On
Tinker Creek at Dale Avenue,the August 1940 storm produced a discharge of 9,000 cfs.The flood
damage from the August 1940 event was extensive and resulted in major damage to buildings,
roads,bridges,and agricultural crops.The 1972 flood on the Roanoke River,which was the result
of Tropical Storm Agnes,was estimated as a 50-year flood.The Roanoke River crested at 19.6
feet as measured at Walnut Avenue.Approximately 400 homes were damaged by flooding from
Hurricane Agnes in the Roanoke-Salem area.On April 22, 1992,the river once again exceeded
its banks and spread floodwaters in the Valley when it crested at 18.1 for the second time during
the century.
The flood of record occurred in November of 1985 when rains from Hurricane Juan caused the
Roanoke River to rise and crest at a level of 23.4 feet from the bottom of the River,as measured
from Walnut Avenue. A total of 11 inches of rain fell between Thursday October 31 and the
following Monday. The last six inches fell during the last 24 hours of that five-day period. The
result of that single weather event created floodwaters in downtown Roanoke that rose over five
feet inside some businesses. Ten lives were lost and damage to property cost$520,000,000.4
This was estimated as a 130-year flood event.The 1985 spurred major work along the corridor,
sparking the creation of the greenway system.
`The Roanoke Times,November 1985.
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-17
Since 2018, 58 flood events have occurred in the region. It should be noted that quantified
damages are largely self-reported and may not reflect the full damages that occurred from a given
flood event.
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-18
Table 13:Flood Events per the NCEI Database,2019-2024
Beginning Cause of Reported
Jurisdiction Date Flood Damage Event Description
The James River at Buchanan(BNNV2)reached flood stage of 17 feet
on the 24th,cresting at 17.92 feet shortly thereafter.Several roads were
closed including Thrasher Road and River Road due to flooding. The
peak discharge of 35300 cfs at the gage was very close to a 2.33-year
BOTETOURT Heavy Rain $ annual recurrence interval (0.43 annual chance of exceedance)
CO. 2/23/2019 /Snow Melt - according to USGS data.This is also close the bankfuli stage.
Tinker Mill Road was closed due to high water and several other roads
in the Buchanan area.Poor Farm Road near Fincastle was also reported
BOTETOURT $ to be underwater.There was some damage to roads in the county per
CO. 4/13/2020 Heavy Rain 33,000.00 VDOT.
Route 614 was flooded by Craig Creek with over six inches of water
reported across the bridge. The IFLOWS stream gage at this location
was out of service at the time,but the upstream!FLOWS gage on Craig
Creek near Abbott(ABBV2)crested at 11.6 feet.This was over the flood
stage of 10 feet and the 2nd highest(highest is 11.9 feet in Oct. 2018
with remains from Hurricane Michael)in a fairly short period of record
$ (back to 2010).A water rescue was also preformed in the Abbott area,
CRAIG CO. 4/13/2020 Heavy Rain 12,000.00 where a car drove into flood waters.
The Roanoke River at Roanoke crested at 11.74 feet(10,500 cfs)on the
ROANOKE $ aftemoon of the 13th,above the Minor flood stage of 10 feet.Several low
CITY 4/13/2020 Heavy Rain - water bridges were flooded along with the Roanoke Greenway.
Beginning Cause of Reported
Jurisdiction Date Flood Damage Event Description
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-19
There were several reports of flash flooding around Roanoke City
including a car that was submerged in flood waters covering the
intersection of Walnut Avenue and 4th Street. The intersection was
closed.Social media photos showed flooding on Franklin Road at Wonju
ROANOKE $ Street.A mudslide at a car dealership caused two cars to slide into the
CITY 4/13/2020 Heavy Rain 25,000.00 resulting sinkhole with some damage to the vehicles.
The Roanoke River at Glenvar (GNW2)crested at 13.14 feet (11700
cfs)in the early afternoon of the 13th.Flood stage is 9 feet.Several roads
were closed near the river including Southwest River Road. Bohon
ROANOKE $ Hollow Road bridge(Route 734)about 1 mile upstream from gage was
CO. 4/13/2020 Heavy Rain - , overtopped.
ROANOKE $ . Numerous roads were flooded and some damage reported in Roanoke
CO. 4/13/2020 Heavy Rain 5,000.00 County.
Wise Avenue was closed due to overflow from Tinker Creek. This is a
low-water bridge that is inundated below flood stage on the creek. The
gage height on the USGS Tinker Creek above Glade Creek gage was
ROANOKE $ around 7 feet at the time of this report.The stream crested at 14.77 feet
CITY 5/20/2020 Heavy Rain - on the afternoon of the 21st.
Beginning Cause of Reported
Jurisdiction Date Flood Damage Event Description
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-20
Tinker Creek was reported to be flooding portions of 13th Street from
Eastgate Avenue to Mason Mill Road. The gage height on the USGS
Tinker Creek Upper near Columbia gage was around 9 feet at the time
of this report.The stream crested twice during the event, at 12.58 feet
late on the 20th and 13.49 on the afternoon of the 21st.Per USGS data,
ROANOKE $ the peak discharge of 3920 cfs was slightly below a 5-year flood event
CITY 5/20/2020 Heavy Rain - (0.20 annual chance of occurrence)on upper linker Creek.
A spotter reported water several inches deep on Bennington Street from
the Roanoke River around 850 PM EST on May 20th.The stage at the
time of the report was around 13 feet on the Roanoke River gage at
Walnut Street(RONV2).Several hour later the footbridge to the Carillon
Hopsital was overrun and inaccessible. Several roads around the
hospital were under varying amounts of water, up to a depth of a few
feet. The reading on the Roanoke River gage was around 15.7 feet at
the time of this report.The river crested at 15.89 feet at 310 PM EST on
the 21 st.Moderate flood stage is currently 12 feet and Major flood stage
is 16 feet. This was the 8th highest stage on record at this gage, with
records back to 1899.According to USGS statistics it was slightly under
a 10-year event(0.1 annual chance of occurrence).Social media images
also showed floodwaters from the Roanoke River covering several feet
ROANOKE $ of the parking lot of the Ramada Inn and water entering the hotel,
CITY 5/20/2020 Heavy Rain - although this may have been backup along Ore Branch.
Beginning Cause of Reported
Jurisdiction Date Flood Damage Event Description
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page(3-21
The intersection of Craig Creek Road and Roaring Run Road was closed
due to high water.The gage on Craig Creek at Parr(CRGV2)was around
13.3 feet at the time of the report.Minor flood stage is 12 feet.The stream
crested at a stage of 16.20 feet (16200 cfs), the highest level since
September 2004 (19.87 feet) when the remains of Hurricane Jeanne
plowed through the area. It was the 7th highest on record at the gage
since 1925 and was slightly below a 10-year flood event (0.1 annual
BOTETOURT $ chance of occurrence).Moderate flood stage is 15 feet and several roads
CO. 5/21/2020 Heavy Rain 15,000.00 were flooded.
BOTETOURT $
CO. 5/21/2020 Heavy Rain 10,000.00 Tinker Mill Road was flooded and linker Creek reported out of its banks.
Catawba Creek Road was reported to be flooded with water of unknown
depth. The USGS gage on Catawba Creek near Catawba (CTWV2)
crested at 7.87 feet(3660 cfs)Iearly on the 21st. This was the 8th highest
stage on record at this gage with data back to 1954. Only Hurricane
Michael in October 2018 has had a higher stage(7.98 feet)in the past
15 years,dating back to September 2004.According to USGS data this
BOTETOURT $ was close to a 5-year recurrence interval flood (0.2 annual chance of
CO. 5/21/2020 Heavy Rain 13,000.00 occurrence).
The Mill Lane low water bridge in Salem was entirely underwater and
portions of W.Riverside Drive was flooded and closed along with several
$ other roads in Salem. The nearby Salem Pump Station IFLOWS gage
SALEM CITY 5/20/2020 Heavy Rain - (SPSV2)crested at around 9.1 feet.Minor flood stage is 7 feet.
Beginning Cause of Reported
Jurisdiction Date Flood Damage Event Description
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-22
The Roanoke River at Glenvar(GNW2)crested at 14.14 feet (13400
cfs)in the early afternoon of the 21st.Flood stage is 9 feet.It was the 9th
highest stage on record but data only extends back to 1992 at this gage.
Several roads were closed near the river including Southwest River
Road. Bohon Hollow Road bridge (Route 734)about 1 mile upstream
ROANOKE $ from gage was overtopped.According to USGS statistics it was near a
CO. 5/20/2020 Heavy Rain - 5-year flood event(0.2 annual chance of occurrence).
The Craig Creek at Abbott(ABBV2)!FLOWS gage crested at 10.6 feet
around midday on May 21st.This was the 3rd highest crest in the fairly
j short (since around 2010) and erratic history at this gage site. Some
$ 1 roads were flooded and partially damaged Craig County according to
CRAIG CO. 5/20/2020 Heavy Rain 50,000.00 I VDOT information.
Media reports showed water overtopping a portion of Spring Valley Dam
ROANOKE $ in Roanoke leading to the evacuation of 13 homes due to the potential
CITY 5/21/2020 Heavy Rain 5,000.00 risk of a dam failure.
1
Walnut Avenue near Glade Creek was closed due to water flowing over
it.Flooding also occurred along Tinker Creek where the USGS gage near
the confluence of Glade Creek crested at 16.96 feet in the afternoon of
the 17th. No flood stage has been set at this relatively new gaging
ROANOKE $ ; station,but Tinker Creek overflows the low-water bridge on Wise Avenue
CO. 6/17/2020 Heavy Rain - at a stage of around 7 feet.
BOTETOURT $ A social media post showed the road completely flooded in front of the
CO. 6/17/2020 Heavy Rain - 1 Cloverdale Post Office.
Beginning Cause of Reported
Jurisdiction Date Flood Damage Event Description
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-23
Flood waters were reported to have reached some mobile homes in the
BOTETOURT $ Wildwood Mobile Home Park.Some evacuations were conducted in the
CO. 6/17/2020 Heavy Rain - area.
ROANOKE $ Bonsack Road and Glade Creek Road were closed due to flooding,most
CO. 6/17/2020 Heavy Rain - likely from nearby Glade Creek.
ROANOKE $ A portion of 13th Street in Roanoke was closed due to urban flooding
CO. 6/17/2020 Heavy Rain - with water flowing over the road.
COVINGTON $ Numerous roads were flooded and closed in Covington including South
CITY 6/17/2020 Heavy Rain - Craig Avenue,South Royal Avenue and and South Highland Avenue.
ALLEGHANY $ Up to a foot of water was observed flowing over Valley Ridge Road at
CO. 6/17/2020 Heavy Rain - the corner of Woodland Road and Magnolia Street.
Water over six inches in depth was seen flowing over portions of Highway
—159 after 1.5 inches of rain fell in a short duration. The water was not
ALLEGHANY $ from Dunlap Creek itself which had returned to below flood stage from
CO. 6/19/2020 Heavy Rain - the previous day.
The USGS gage on Dunlap Creek (DLPV2) rose briefly above minor
ALLEGHANY $ flood stage of 9 feet early on the 18th,cresting at 9.16 feet.Several roads
CO. 6/17/2020 Heavy Rain - very close to the creek may have been flooded.
Beginning Cause of Reported
Jurisdiction Date Flood Damage Event Description
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-24
The USGS gage on Johns Creek at New Castle (JCRV2) crested at
11.03 feet on the afternoon of June 17th after heavy rains the previous
two days. This was the highest stage reached at this site since
September 28,2004 when it reached 12.87 feet and the 6th highest since
$ records began in 1927.The 3-day rainfall at the nearby NWS COOP site
CRAIG CO. 6/17/2020 Heavy Rain - at New Castle was 4.12 inches.
The gage on Craig Creek at Parr(CRGV2)crested at a stage of 14.24
feet(12500 cfs)very early on June 18th.It was the 8th highest on record
at this gaging station since 1925 and was approximately a 5-year flood
BOTETOURT $ event(0.2 annual chance of occurrence)according to USGS studies.A
CO. 6/17/2020 Heavy Rain - road or two was likely affected.
The Roanoke River at Roanoke(RONV2)crested at 11.91 feet,above
ROANOKE $ the Minor flood stage of 10 feet early in the morning of June 18th.Several
CITY 6/17/2020 Heavy Rain - roads and low water bridges were flooded.
The (FLOWS stream gage at Salem Pump Station (SPSV2) crested
I $ above Minor flood stage of 7 feet early on the 18th,cresting at 7.60 feet
SALEM CITY 6/17/2020 Heavy Rain - and closing several roads in Salem,including the Mill Lane Bridge.
The Roanoke River at Roanoke,VA(RONV2)was above flood stage(10
feet) on November 12th, and crested at the moderate flood stage of
14.07 feet (14,000 cfs)at 12:35 PM EST on November 12th,the 13th
ROANOKE $ highest crest on record for this gauge. This was between a 5-and 10-
CITY 11/12/2020 Heavy Rain - year Average Return Interval per the USGS StreamStats website.
Beginning Cause of Reported
Jurisdiction Date Flood Damage Event Description
Page 1 3-25
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification
About 1.5 inches of rain from a thunderstorm fell during a 45 minute
period. Runoff from the rainfall caused water to pond 12-18 inches deep
at the intersection of Campbell Avenue and 10th Street SW, an
ROANOKE $ intersection known to flood during heavy rainfall. The intersection closed
CITY 5/4/2021 Heavy Rain - by police,but was reopened after the water receded.
Rain amounts between 1.5 and 1.75 inches fell from a thunderstorm
within a 45 minute period across portions of the downtown area in the
City of Roanoke. Runoff from this rainfall resulted in about three feet of
standing water near the intersection of Salem Avenue and 1 1/2 Street.
At least one car became stranded in the flood waters, though it is
ROANOKE $ unknown if the occupant(s)required rescue. The road was reopened to
CITY 5/4/2021 Heavy Rain 2,500.00 traffic after the flood waters receded.
Portions of Salem Avenue and Campbell Avenue were flooded with up to
4 feet of standing water as heavy rain overwhelmed the storm sewer
system. Five water rescues were performed as cars drove into the flood
waters, causing the vehicles to stall. No injuries were reported.
Broadcast media reported that multiple cars parked along Salem Avenue
ROANOKE $ experienced water intrusion into the vehicle passenger compartments
CITY 8/19/2021 Heavy Rain 25,000.00 and exhaust systems,with some of the vehicle needed to be towed.
Runoff from heavy rain caused Renick Run to flood out of its banks and
flow across Indian Rock Road. The bridge crossing Renick Run was
BOTETOURT $ damaged and impassible by the flooding, and required repair before
CO. 9/22/2021 Heavy Rain 20,000.00 being eventually reopened.
Runoff from heavy rain caused Purgatory Creek to flood out of its banks
BOTETOURT $ ( around one foot deep across both Greyledge and Frontage Roads. The
CO. 9/22/2021 Heavy Rain - ( roads reopened after flooding subsided. No damage was reported.
Beginning Cause of Reported
Jurisdiction Date Flood Damage Event Description
Page 1 3-26
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification
{
Runoff from heavy rain caused Jennings Creek to flood out of its banks
and across Jennings Creek Road,both of which are located in the bottom
of a valley with steep sides. Occupants from a vehicle caught in the
BOTETOURT $ flooding were able to abandon the vehicle to safety,however the vehicle
CO. 9/22/2021 Heavy Rain 15,000.00 was reportedly washed down the creek.
Runoff from heavy rain caused Laurel Run to flood out of its banks across
BOTETOURT $ Pico Road,causing the road to be impassible until the flooding receded.
CO. 9/22/2021 Heavy Rain 1 - The road was reopened afterward.
Heavy rain caused ponding of water of up to a foot deep along portions
of Main Street in the community of Buchanan, making the road
BOTETOURT $ impassible. Main Street was passable again once the flooding receded.
CO. ' 9/22/2021 Heavy Rain --- _No damage was reported.
Runoff from heavy rain caused Dry Run to flow out of its banks,flooding
•
the railway tunnel on 19th Street and across Highway 11 a few hundred
BOTETOURT $ feet further downstream. No damage was reported and the roads were
CO. 9/22/2021 Heavy Rain - passable again after the flooding receded.
Runoff from heavy rain caused a tributary of Ellis Run to flow out of its
banks,flooding across portions of Mountain Valley Road. No damage
BOTETOURT $ was reported and the road was passable again after the flooding
CO. 9/22/2021 Heavy Rain - receded.
Beginning Cause of Reported
Jurisdiction Date Flood Damage Event Description
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-27
The stream gauge at Tinker Creek Upper Above Columbia Street
(TKRV2)recorded Tinker Creek rising more than 8 feet within 2 hours to
crest at 10.67 feet, before stream levels quickly receded. This was
ROANOKE $ caused by 2 to more than 4 inches of rainfall from a thunderstorm near
CO. 8/25/2022 Heavy Rain - the Botetourt County border.
The stream gauge at Tinker Creek Above Glade Creek recorded Tinker
ROANOKE $ Creek cresting at 7.95 feet.This was caused by 2 to more than 4 inches
CO. 8/25/2022 Heavy Rain - of rainfall from a thunderstorm near the Botetourt County border.
l Runoff from heavy rainfall overwhelmed an underground storm water
BOTETOURT $ pipe, which created a sinkhole in a portion of Highland drive near
CO. 8/25/2022 Heavy Rain 15,000.00 �1 Sanderson drive.
The Cowpasture River near Clifton Forge, VA crested at 10.40 feet
(Flood stage is 10 feet). This was a little over a 2-year event(50%AEP)
per USGS Streamstats.The flooding was caused by between 1.5 and
2.75 inches of rain over a 24-25 hour period. No snow melt or frozen
ground was involved,but the ground was moist from widespread rainfall
ALLEGHANY Heavy Rain $ on the 12th and 13th a few days prior. Minor lowland flooding was the
CO. 2/17/2023 /Burn Area - only impact observed.
The intersection of Jamison Avenue and 9th Street is flooded and
{ 0 impassible by several inches of flowing water caused by 3 to 4 inches of
rainfall,with rates as high as 6 inches per hour. No damage was reported
at the intersection,and the road was reopened to traffic after the flooding
receded. MRMS FLASH CREST Unit Streamflow was estimated to be
between 600 and 800 cfs per mile^2,while FLASH 1-hour ARIs indicated
ROANOKE $ j that rainfall amounts were as high as a 100-year event in spots around
CITY 7/23/2023 Heavy Rain - , the City of Roanoke during this event.
Beginning Cause of Reported
Jurisdiction Date Flood Damage Event Description
Page I 3-28
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification
ShaferV2iLY2ItYZs Crossing between 24th Street and Boulevard Street
is flooded and impassible due to 2 to 3 inches of rainfall within a 90-
minute period,with rainfall rates ranging from 4 to 5 inches per hour per
MRMS estimates. CREST Unit Streamflow was estimated to be between
ROANOKE $ 400 and 600 cfs per mileA2 for this event. No damage was reported to
CITY 7/23/2023 Heavy Rain - the road,and it was reopened to traffic after the flooding receded.
Glade Creek was observed out of its banks and flowing across Walnut
Avenue at least 6 inches deep due to between 3 and locally 5 inches of
rainfall within a 2-hour period falling in the basin. Rainfall rates were
observed to be as high as 5 inches per hour at times. No damage was
ROANOKE $ reported to the road, and it was reopened to traffic after the flooding
CITY 7/23/2023 Heavy Rain - receded.
Poor drainage due to around 1.5 inches of rainfall within an hour caused
standing water near within the 4800 block of Valley View Boulevard,
ROANOKE $ making the road impassible for a brief period of time. The road was
CITY 6/17/2024 Heavy Rain - reopened after the flooding receded,with no damage reported.
Standing water due to between 1.25 and 1.5 inches of rainfall within an
hour was reported at the intersection of Peters Creek Road NW and
Melrose Avenue,making the intersection impassible for a brief period of
time. Rainfall rates briefly reached up to 3 inches per hour in the area.
ROANOKE $ The intersection was reopened after the flooding receded, with no
CITY 6/17/2024 Heavy Rain . - I damage reported.
Beginning Cause of Reported
Jurisdiction Date Flood Damage Event Description
Page I 3-29
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification
Poor drainage due to around 1.5 inches of rainfall within an hour caused
standing water near near the 900 block of Van Buren Street NW,making
ROANOKE $ the street impassible for a brief period of time.Rainfall rates briefly were
CITY 6/17/2024 Heavy Rain - estimated to be around 3 inches per hour.
Heavy Rain Runoff from heavy rain caused the railroad underpass along Wiley Drive
ROANOKE / Tropical $ to become flooded with about two feet of standing water and impassible
CITY 8/8/2024 System - until the water drained away. No damage was reported.
I
Heavy Rain A poor drainage issue during heavy rain caused Campbell Avenue to
ROANOKE / Tropical $ become flooded by several inches of standing water. The road was open
CITY 8/8/2024 System - to traffic after the drain blockage was cleared.
The low water crossing on Wise Street at Tinker Creek became partially
Heavy Rain submerged as Tinker Creek rose to a crest of 5.85 feet, which is well
ROANOKE / Tropical $ within its banks. No damage to the road was reported as it is designed
CITY 8/8/2024 System - to begin becoming flooded at this stage.
Portions of Boulevard Street and 24th Street were flooded between three
Heavy Rain ; and four feet deep in spots by runoff from heavy rain. No damage was
ROANOKE I / Tropical $ reported to the roads,which were reopened to traffic after the flooding
CITY 8/8/2024 System - receded.
Heavy Rain i Runoff from heavy rainfall was observed pooling several inches deep
ROANOKE I Tropical $ j across the intersection of Walnut Avenue and 8th Street. No damage to
CITY 8/8/2024 System . - the roadways was reported.
Beginning Cause of Reported
Jurisdiction Date Flood Damage Event Description
The Roanoke City Emergency Manager reported that flooding was
ROANOKE $ observed at the intersection of 10th Street and Campbell Street
CITY 9/19/2024 Heavy Rain 15,000.00 Southwest near downtown Roanoke, an area that frequently floods
Page I 3-30
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification
during periods of heavy rain.Multiple vehicles were stranded in standing
water that rose to nearly 3 feet deep as a result of poor drainage. Six
individuals had to be assisted from their vehicles in the flood waters by
emergency personnel.The damage estimate is the estimated damage to
the vehicles due to water intrusion.
Heavy rainfall, combined with poor drainage, caused standing water
$ around 2.5 feet deep to pool along Kessler Mill Road. No damage was
SALEM CITY 9/25/2024 Heavy Rain - reported to the road,which was open to traffic after the water receded.
Page I 3-31
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification
Additional flood damage has been recorded from Hurricane Helene which was not included in the
NCEI data.As this was a major federal disaster,impacts from this event will be quantified further
in section 3.5: Hurricane and Tropical Storm. However, it is worth noting that flooding is so
frequent in the region that the NCEI data may not be comprehensive in terms of the impacts of
this disaster.
CRS Communities: Special Considerations
Three communities within the region currently have a Community Flood Rating System (CRS)
designation. Roanoke County entered the CRS program in October 1991 and has a rating of 8
(10%discount).The Town of Vinton entered the CRS program in October 1,2016 and has a class
8 rating.The City of Roanoke entered the CRS program in 1996 and maintains a class 6 rating
(20%discount on flood insurance premiums for parcel owners within City limits).
Several additional localities have listed this as a desired goal in their project listings, though
capacity remains an inhibiting factor. Accordingly, this section specifically speaks to additive
requirements for CRS planning in the region's jurisdictions.
Review of Existing Studies and Plans
The following existing studies and plans speak specifically to flooding.They are summarized and
recommendations are noted where appropriate.A general overview of existing plans and studies
consulted to develop project recommendations and guide planning implementation work is
contained in Chapter 5: Capabilities Assessment. For the purposes of this section, only local
government entities are listed.
Allegheny County
Flood Insurance Study,Alleghany County,Virginia and Incorporated Areas(2010):This study also
includes the incorporated areas of the City of Covington, and Towns of Clifton Forge and Iron
Gate.
Emergency Operations Plan (2021): This document details emergency operations procedures,
including operations in a flood event.
City of Covington
City of Covington Drainage Study(2025):This document,funded through the Community Flood
Preparedness Fund,includes a condition assessment of the storm sewer system and a hydraulic
and hydrologic model which will feed into a forthcoming Resilience Plan.
Botetourt County
Flood Insurance Study,Botetourt County,Virginia and Incorporated Areas(2010):This study also
includes the incorporated areas of Botetourt County which include Buchanan, Fincastle, and
Troutville.
Botetourt County Emergency Operations Plan (2017): This document details emergency
operations procedures,including operations in a flood event.
Craig County
Flood Insurance Study, Craig County, Virginia and Incorporated Areas (2009): This study also
includes the incorporated area of the Town of New Castle.
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-32
Roanoke County
Flood Insurance Study,Roanoke County,Virginia and Incorporated Areas(DATE):This study also
includes the incorporated areas of the Town of Vinton,City of Roanoke,City of Salem.
City of Roanoke
City of Roanoke Flood Resilience Plan (2023): This plan deals specifically with flooding and
flooding impacts within the City. Several of these recommendations will be incorporated into
Chapter 6 and Chapter 7.
NFIP Community Rating System Repetitive Loss Area Analysis (2021):This is an update of the
repetitive loss analysis for the City.
Emergency Operations Basic Plan (2020): This plan details emergency operations procedures
within the City.
Peters Creek Watershed Master Plan (2019): This plan is part of a series of master plans
conducted across the City each watershed.While the primary emphasis is on water quality,there
are flooding applications.
Trout Run Watershed Master Plan(2017):This master plan focuses on watershed management
of the Lick Run watershed through three implementation goals,which parallel those for the Trout
Run Watershed Master Plan.
Lick Run Watershed Master Plan(2017):This master plan focuses on watershed management of
the Lick Run watershed through three implementation goals,which parallel those for the Trout
Run Watershed Master Plan.
Tinker Creek and Tributaries Watershed Master Plan (2016): This master plan focuses on
watershed management of the Lick Run watershed through three implementation goals, which
parallel those for the Trout Run Watershed Master Plan.
Flooding Incident Annex (2007): This Annex to the Emergency Operations Basic Plan details
specific actions to take in flood situations.
Dam Safety Support Annex(2007):This Annex to the Emergency Operations Basic Plan details
specific actions to take in situations where key impoundment infrastructures become a safety risk.
City of Salem
Resilience Plan (2023): This plan was prepared through funding from the Virginia Flood
Preparedness Fund and deals directly with flooding impacts in the City of Salem.Several of these
recommendations will be incorporated into Chapter 6 and Chapter 7.
This section of the plan and other relevant sections were reviewed and discussed with the
Floodplain Program Planner at DCR.
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-33
High Hazard Potential Dam Inventory and Planning
Flooding due to dam failure is considered as part of overall flood mitigation assessment and
planning within this document.Within the region there are twenty-five known high hazard potential
dams per DCR. To collect data in this section, Regional Commission staff reached out to the
following partners:
• All signatories for the plan,including the WVWA and the local governments
• Mountain Castles Soil and Water Conservation District
• Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
Responses from signatories to the plan regarding their dam safety activities are included in
Chapter 5: Cok.it_iilities Assessment.
Figure 17 shows the Hazard Potential Classification for dams produced by FEMA. It is important
to note that even impoundment failure that impacts a lifeline(such as a water treatment plant or
key infrastructure element)does not per se result in a high hazard potential dam classification.
HHPD classification is focused on the probable loss of life in an impoundment failure.
DCR's Division of Dam Safety and Floodplain Management administers the Virginia Dam Safety
Program, under the authority of the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board.Virginia's Dam
Safety Regulations were last updated in 2016.The owner of each regulated high,significant,or
low hazard potential dam is required to apply to the board for an Operation and Maintenance
Certificate.The application must include an assessment of the dam by a licensed professional,
an Emergency Action Plan and the appropriate fee(s),submitted separately.An executed copy of
the Emergency Action Plan or Emergency Preparedness Plan must be filed with the appropriate
local emergency official and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management.
Hazard Potential Loss of Human Life Economic,Environmental,Lifeline
Classification Losses
Low None expected Low and generally limited to owner
Significant None expected Yes
High Probable. One or more Yes(but not necessary for this
expected classification)
Figure 18:Dam Classifications,FEMA.6
The City of Roanoke maintains a Dam Safety Support Annex to their Emergency Operations Plan.
The Western Virginia Water Authority also maintains required Emergency Action Plans specific to
operation of the dams owned by the Authority,one of which is Spring Hollow Lake Dam listed in
Table 2.Inundation maps for Spring Hollow Lake Dam are included in Appendix H.
5(Commonwealth of Virginia,2016)
6(Federal Emergency Management Agency,2004)
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-34
The VSWCB issues Regular Operation and Maintenance Certificates to a dam owner for a period
of six years.If a dam has a deficiency but does not pose imminent danger,the board may issue
a Conditional Operation and Maintenance Certificate, during which time the dam owner is to
correct the deficiency.After a dam is certified by the board,annual inspections are required either
by a professional engineer or the dam owner, and the Annual Inspection Report is submitted to
the regional dam safety engineer.
There are no comprehensive databases of historical dam failures or flooding following a dam
failure in Virginia. Dam failure can be caused by a variety of scenarios.Thirty-four percent of all
dam failures are caused by overtopping,when water spills over the top of a dam.The majority of
dam failure incidents are driven by flooding due to excessive precipitation. Proper maintenance
of a dam structure is key to mitigating the impacts of flooding. DCR administers the Virginia Dam
Safety, Flood Prevention, and Protection Assistance Fund. Other funding sources also exist for
dam failure mitigation.
The Association of State Dam Safety Officials maintains a voluntary database of dam safety
incidents, the ASDSO Dam Incident Database. Only one safety incident is recorded in this
database in the region, which references overtopping of Spring Valley Lake dam. However,
consultation with DCR clarifies the incident. Spring Valley Lake saw their emergency spillway
activated, and a Stage 3 emergency was declared in accordance with their Emergency Action
Plan in May 2020.There was no overtopping,and the dam was not in immediate danger of failure.
In the 2019 Plan,several Dam Safety Incidents and remediation efforts were documented.These
have been updated with more accurate information from DCR.
Rainbow Forest Lake Dam: In May 2011, DCR order the Rainbow Forest Recreation
Association(RFRA)in Botetourt County to reduce the pool level of Rainbow Forest Lake
in order to provide extra storage capacity behind the dam until the spillway could be
improved. The RFRA has been working with the state to address concerns about the
structure since 1997.
Gathright Dam: In May 2009,the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers(USACE)inspected the
Gathright Dam as part of Screening Portfolio Risk Analysis and routine inspections.Later
in the year on September 2,the USAGE assigned the dam a Safety Action Classification
(DSAC) II which is defined as "Urgent (Unsafe or Potentially Unsafe)". The rating is
attributed to concerns about possible increased seepage at the toe of the dam, and an
undetermined flow rate at the river spring a quarter mile downstream, and potential flow
channels through limestone below the spillway during pool events above 1,600 feet.
Because of this rating, the USAGE has implemented risk reduction measures which
include increased monitoring,updating emergency operation plans and reducing the water
level in the reservoir.As of early 2010,the USACE has reduced and continues to maintain
the reservoir at an elevation of 1,562 ft above sea level compared to the normal level of
1,582 feet. Throughout 2010, the USAGE conducted safety exercises with local/state
officials, conduct a series of investigations on the dam, update inundation mapping and
reevaluate the DSAC status.In November 2010,Lake Moomaw was restored to a level of
1,582 ft.and the DSAC will be reevaluated in the future.
Clifton Forge Dam: Clifton Forge Dam impounds a 12.5 square mile drainage area of
Smith Creek with an 11.5-acre normal pool.The dam is classified as a High Hazard Dam
by DCR and operates under a conditional 2-year,renewable,Operation and Maintenance
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-35
Certificate. It has been issued an alteration permit by DCR that will be used during
upgrades in 2018-19.A Dam Breach Inundation Zone Analysis was done in 2013 that
showed a failure would impact 650 residential units, 1,400 people and downtown
commercial, retail, public administration and infrastructure. An Emergency Action Plan
was completed in 2014 and a preliminary engineering report for proposed improvements
was done in 2016. Major improvements proposed include raising crest of non-overflow
sections;raise concrete core wall and surrounding earthfill;seal a leaking concrete joint;
remove spillway piers to expand spillway capacity; anchor the principal spillway; replace
spillway bridge;and repair the deteriorated concrete face.The estimated cost for this work
was approximately$4.3 million.The town worked with its consulting engineers to develop
a funding package from USDA Rural Development in cooperation with Alleghany County.
The proposed schedule anticipates construction to be complete by December 2019.
Johns Creek Watershed Dam#1 (McDaniel's Lake): Craig County Board of Supervisors
and Mountain Castles Soil and Water Conservation District own and operate the Johns
Creek watershed Dam #1. Four floodwater-retarding structures were built in the Johns
Creek Watershed between 1966 and 1967.
The dam has a drainage area of 12,241 acres and a normal pool surface area of 28 acres.
It was designed to store runoff of 50-year storm. The dam was originally designed as
"Significant" hazard and later reclassified to "High" hazard due to downstream
development that was allowed to occur.The dam operates under a conditional Operation
and Maintenance Certificate from DCR that expired in September 2018.
A breach inundation study for the dam was done in 2009 which concluded the dam is a
High Hazard Potential dam.The study found 68 occupied structures and 16 bridges within
the inundation zone below the dam.An additional study by URS Group completed in 2010
found the population at risk to be 150 people.
Mountain Castles SWCD has been working jointly with Virginia's DCR and federal partners
to facilitate a design to rehabilitate Johns Creek Dam#1 to increase spillway capacity for
future flooding. So far, the rehabilitation team has accomplished a wetland delineation
survey,riser condition survey,and a geotechnical investigation survey.A complete design
is expected by spring of 2026 that involves extending the embankment through the
existing auxiliary spillway,installing a new roller-compacted spillway,and installing a new
concrete riser to meet the new requirements.
Niagara Dam:Niagara Dam is one of two federally regulated dams in the region.The dam
was recently relicensed by the FERC in 2025.On November 4,1985,high flows recorded
at 52,300 cfs resulted in the breach of the right abutment to the dam.Repairs to the right
abutment resulted in the Niagara Hydroelectric Project being taken out of service from
November 4, 1985 through March 17, 1986.The average flow of the river at this location
is 573 cfs. The same event affected Smith Mountain Lake dam downstream, a key
infrastructure asset for the region and also federally regulated. The reservoir elevation
increased from its normal operating limit of 795 NGVD to 799.5 NGVD.That elevation is
0.5 ft. below the emergency level of 800.0 NGVD allowed under the license for this
structure.
Three additional dams of interest may be high hazard dams but have not yet been classified as
such. These dams are listed in DSIS as High-Preliminary, which means that there has been a
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-36
preliminary study that raised concerns, but an inundation study has not been submitted by the
dam owner to properly establish the hazard classification yet.
• Orchard Lake Dam—023002
• Wilburn Dam—023010
• Stokes Dam—023013
This section of the plan was reviewed by the Regional Dam Safety Engineer at DCR.Dam safety
data sheets were also provided for all High Hazard Potential Dams and are included in Appendix
H.
The Role of the State
While local governments play a role in reviewing dam safety activities for those dams within their
jurisdictions, the Commonwealth of Virginia requires that DCR play an active role in dam
regulation working directly with the dam owner.The following powers are within the province of
DCR:
• Activities and studies that determine risks associated with eligible dams
• Environmental studies for NEPA compliance
• Development of operation and maintenance plans
• Dam risk and consequence assessments Feasibility studies
• Preliminary engineering studies Alternatives analysis
• Mapping,engineering survey,and inundation modeling
• Coordination of EAP and EOPs for different release conditions
• Engineering design
• Development of specifications
DCR coordinates these activities directly with the dam owner, and the local government is
generally informed of many of these plans and elements after the fact unless they also fill the role
of dam owner. While the local government may coordinate on safety elements such as public
communication or evacuation plans, most of the mitigation actions possible for high hazard
potential dams are the responsibility of the dam owner or the state.
Chapter 3:Hazard identification Page 13-37
Table 14:High Hazard Potential Dams
Alternate
Federal Dam Dam
ID Dam Name Name Type Owner Name Location
VA00500 Clifton Forge Town of Clifton
3 Dam Gravity C Forge Alleghany
i
Westvaco
VA00500 Landfill No.2 #2 Flyash Westvaco/WestRoc
4 Dam Lagoon Earth k 1 Alleghany
West
VA00500 Virginia Pulp Westvaco/West
9 Dam B Earth Rock Alleghany
VA00500 Gathright Lake USAGE - Norfolk
1 Dam Moomaw Rockfill District Alleghany
—
Westrock #1
VA00501 Embankmen Westvaco/WestRcc AlleghanylCovingto
3 t Dam Earth k ' n
Lake Forest
VA02300 I Blue Ridge Emerald Homeowners
4 Estates Dam Lake Earth Association Botetourt
Botetourt
VA02300 Country Botetourt Country
5 Club Dam Earth Club Botetourt
Vaughn E.&Anne P.
VA02301 Wilburn;Vaughn E.
0 Wilburn Dam Earth and Anne P.Wilburn Botetourt
VA02301 1
--
3 Stokes Dam Earth 1 Sandra J Stokes Botetourt
VA02300 Orchard
2 Lake Dam Earth Dead&Julie Fraze Botetourt
Rainbow Forest
VA02300 Rainbow Recreational Assoc
3 Forest Dam Earth Inc Botetourt
VA02300 Carvin Cove Western Virginia
1 Dam Masonry Water Authority Botetourt/Roanoke
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-38
Alternate
Federal Dam Dam
ID Dam Name Name Type Owner Name Location
Mountain Castles
Soil and Water
VA04500 Johns Creek Conservation
1 Dam#2 Earth District Craig
Mountain Castles
Soil and Water
VA04500 Johns Creek McDaniel Conservation
2 Dam#1 s Lake Earth District Craig
--" Mountain Castles
Soil and Water
VA04500 Johns Creek Conservation
3 Dam#3 Earth District Craig
Mountain Castles
Dicks Soil and Water
VA04500 Johns Creek Creek Conservation
4 Dam#4 Lake Earth District Craig
Falling
Creek
VA01901 Reservoir Western Virginia
0 Dam Earth Water Authority Roanoke County
VA16100 Appalachian Power
1 Niagara Gravity Company Roanoke County
VA16100 Loch Haven Bane International
2 Lake Dam Gravity Company LLC Roanoke County
Clifford D. Spring
Craig Hollow
VA16100 Memorial Reservoir Concret Western Virginia
4 Dam Dam e Water Authority Roanoke County
Hidden
Valley
High
VA16100 Woods End School
5 Dam Dam Earth Roanoke County Roanoke County
VA16100 Hudick Richard C.&Norma
g Darr Dam Dam Earth Lee Darr Roanoke County
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-39
Alternate
Federal Dam Dam
ID Dam Name Name 'We Owner Name Location
Roanoke College Roanoke
VA16101 Roanoke Trustees C/O County/City of
3 College Dam Earth Roanoke College Salem
Spring Spring Valley Lake
VA77000 Valley Lake LLC;Spring Valley
2 Dam Earth Lake,LLC City of Roanoke
VA77000 Windsor Windsor Lake
1 Lake Dam Earth Corporation City of Roanoke
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-40
3.5 Hurricane and Tropical Storm
Definition of Hazard
Hurricanes, tropical storms, and tropical depressions occasionally strike the region, causing
multiple impacts, most often flooding and wind damage.While damages from these events are
referred to in other sections of this document, this section looks at past storm events more
holistically.
The National Weather Service offers the following definitions of these storm events:
• Tropical Depression:Tropical cyclone with maximum sustained surface winds of 38 mph;
• Tropical Storm:Maximum sustained surface winds of 39-74 mph;
• Hurricane:Maximum sustained surface winds of 74+mph.
The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale rates hurricane's sustained wind speed from 1 to 5.
Wind is a major factor in hurricane and tropical storm damage. By the time that these storms
reach the region,they are generally downgraded to a tropical storm or tropical depression.Rarely
do hurricane force storm winds make it as far inland as southwestern Virginia.
Table 15:Sallir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale,National Weather Service
CATEGORY WINDS DAMAGE:
(MPH)
1 74-95 lidnimat Damage to bidding sbuclu es possible.primari yily to unanchored older model mobile
homes.Damage to poorly constructed signs,shrubbery,and trees.Loose outdoor items become
projectiles.Numerous power outages.
2 96-110 Widespread from very strong winds:Some roofing material.door,and window damage to
buildings Considerable damage to trees,vegetation.mobile homes.and piers A number of high
rise building glass windows dislodged to become projectiles.Widespread power outages up 10
several days.
3 111.129 Extensive from dangerous winds:Some structural damage to small residences and utility
buildings with minor amount of watt failures.Mobile homes destroyed.Many tees uprooted or
snapped.Power outages lasting several days or weeks.
4 130-156 Devastating from extremely dangerous winds:Some wall failures with complete house roof
structure falures.Extensive damage to doors,windows and trees Electricity unavailable for
weeks.
5 >156 Catastrophic:Complete roof failure on many residences and industrial buildings.Some complete
building failures with small buyldigi blown over or away.Power outages for weeks or months.
While this hazard is discussed individually in this chapter, it is important to note that the primary
impacts of hurricane and tropical storm in the region are due to wind damage and riverine flooding
caused by excess precipitation. In Chapter 4, this hazard is assessed as part of section 4.4
Flooding and section 4.8 Wind Event.
Historic Event Descriptions
Virginia has been struck by 48 hurricanes from 1900 to 2018 according to records from the
National Hurricane Center.The Roanoke Valley—Alleghany region has not experienced a direct
hurricane in over 100 years.The region is impacted by the remnants of the hurricanes as tropical
depressions and subtropical storms bringing heavy rains and winds. The following major events
have occurred in the region.
August 20, 1969, Hurricane Camille:Camille made landfall as a Category 5 hurricane smashing
the Mississippi Coast with 200 mph winds on August 17. Camille was the strongest hurricane to
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-41
make landfall on the U.S. this century.The hurricane maintained force for 10 hours as it moved
150 miles inland.The storm tracked northward weakening and becoming less defined. It moved
toward Virginia on the 19th and was only a tropical depression. Moisture from the warm Gulf
Stream waters moved northwest toward the storm and new feeder bands formed. These
thunderstorms"trained"(one followed the other), into the Blue Ridge south of Charlottesville. In
just 12 hours, up to 31 inches of rain fell with devastating results (153 killed, most in Nelson
County). Major flooding followed as the bulge of water moved down the James River into
Richmond. Waynesboro on the South River saw eight feet of water in its downtown and Buena
Vista had five and one-half feet in its business section. Damage was estimated at 113 million
dollars (1969 dollars). The remains of this storm caused flooding that destroyed homes, roads,
railroads,and bridges along the James River in Botetourt County.
June 21, 1972, Hurricane Agnes.Agnes originated in the Gulf of Mexico and was downgraded to
a tropical storm by the time it reached Virginia,yet still caused 13 deaths in the Commonwealth.
The storm impacted the entire region.Tropical Storm Agnes was a severe event and resulted in
as much as one-third of the City of Covington under water where one church, three public
buildings, two industrial plants, 8 commercial buildings, and 490 private residences were
damaged. During the event,Glen Wilton was isolated due to floodwaters covering the only road
access to the community.The storm impacted communities along the James and Roanoke Rivers.
Tropical Storm Agnes was the second highest storm of record along the James River in
Buchanan. The storm caused a 50-year flood. The Roanoke Valley was hit with the effects of
Agnes, causing the Roanoke River to crest at 19.6 feet and approximately 400 homes were
damaged by flooding in the Roanoke-Salem area.
Sept. 28, 2004, Hurricane Jeanne. The remnants of Hurricane Jeanne, in the form of a tropical
depression, moved through the vicinities of Greenville, SC, Roanoke, VA and Washington, DC
and finally to the New Jersey coast on Tuesday, Sept. 28. Maximum sustained wind speeds
ranged from 25 mph to 30 mph near the storm's center.The primary impact on the Commonwealth
was flooding,although one F1 tornado touched down in Pittsylvania County.The heaviest rainfall
occurred from the New River Valley to the Southern Shenandoah Valley. Rainfall in this region
ranged from 3 inches to 7 inches, with the highest amounts falling in Patrick, eastern Floyd,
eastern Montgomery,Giles,Roanoke, Botetourt and Rockbridge counties.
September 14-16, 2018, Hurricane Florence. Hurricane Florence made landfall along the North
Carolina coast on September 14,and after slowly tracking westward through South Carolina,the
remnants of Florence did not reach western Virginia until September 16, accelerating again by
that time. The track of the remnant circulation through the southern Appalachians resulted in
heavy rain and flooding, and at least one landslide, over a large part of the NWS Blacksburg
forecast area, with especially heavy rain along portions of the Blue Ridge due to enhanced
upslope easterly flow. In addition to the heavy rain and flooding, gusty winds (although below
tropical storm force) combined with saturated ground to cause numerous uprooted trees and
some scattered power outages. Rainfall amounts across the area varied form less than 1 inch in
Eagle Rock,2.6 inches at the Roanoke Regional Airport to 5.6 inches on Bent Mountain.Winds
were from 38 mph at the Roanoke Regional Airport to 13 mph at Springwood in Botetourt County.
The Roanoke River crested at 11.14 feet (0.5 feet above flood stage) and the James River in
Buchanan crested at 14.7 feet(2.3 feet below flood stage).
October 10-11, 2018, Hurricane Michael. Hurricane Michael made landfall along the Florida
panhandle as Category 4 hurricane on October 10, 2018, then tracked northeastward with the
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-42
northern portion of the storm circulation tracking across portions of Southside Virginia,Thursday
afternoon,the 11th.As the storm circulation approached on October 11th a cold front moving in
from the west and interacted with the storm and enhanced rainfall especially east of Interstate 81.
Widespread rainfall amounts of 4 to 8 inches were reported, along with local amounts over 10
inches,mainly from the mountains of North Carolina up through Southside Virginia.This resulted
in significant flash flooding with flash flood emergencies issued for the city of Roanoke,as well as
Roanoke County. Rainfall amounts ranged from 1.97 inches at Gathright Dam, 3.3 inches at
Daleville,3.15 at the Roanoke Regional Airport to 7.16 inches in the Cave Spring area of Roanoke
County.The Roanoke River at Glenvar crested at 17.1 feet (8.1 feet above flood stage)and in
Roanoke at 16.4 feet(6.4 feet above flood stage).
September 27, 2024,Hurricane Helene: Helene made landfall in Florida as a powerful Category
4 hurricane late Thursday, September 26, and moved quickly northward into the southeastern
states, and then turned slightly northwestward towards the southern Appalachian Mountains
overnight into Friday morning, weakening as it moved over land. Helene's intensity and fast
forward motion led to impacts being felt well inland, from the Florida Big Bend area into the
Appalachians only 12 hours after landfall,and there was extensive damage in southwest Virginia.
Widespread cellular service and power outages, some lasting for several days,occurred as high
winds downed thousands of trees across the region.Winds gusted as high as 55 mph to 65 mph
in southwest Virginia. There were three confirmed tornadoes associated with the remnants of
Hurricane Helene in the Piedmont region of Virginia. Flooding impacts from Hurricane Helene
were extensive across the area and were exacerbated by a predecessor rainfall event that
occurred a day before Helene reached the region,which brought six to eight inches of rain to the
mountains prior to the arrival of the remnants of Helene.The three-day rainfall totals associated
with the remnants of Hurricane Helene were highest in Grayson and Smyth Counties, where
observations of 10 to locally 15 inches of rain were recorded.The Piedmont of Virginia received
much less rain, between one and two inches, with a couple areas around three inches. Total
economic losses for Virginia,which include Virginia's agriculture, forestry, and other industries,
are expected to range between$416 million and$630 million per an economic analysis released
by Virginia Tech researchers.Within the planning region, at least 20,000 people lost power due
to downed trees in Alleghany, Botetourt, Craig, and Roanoke Counties. One woman was killed
when struck by a flying chicken coop.Others,including a postal worker and a police officer,were
injured by downed trees and flying debris.Total losses from agriculture damages in Craig County
were estimated at$85,000. In Troutville, twenty-one acres of sunflowers at Beaver Dam Farm
were flattened by strong winds.
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-43
3.6 Geologic Hazards
Definition of Hazard
Karst is defined as a landscape with sinkholes, springs, and streams that sink into subsurface
caverns. In karst areas,the fractured limestone rock formations have been dissolved by flowing
groundwater to form cavities,pipes,and conduits.Sinkholes,caves,sinking streams,and springs
signal the presence of underground drainage systems in karst areas.
Sinkholes are natural depressions on the land surface that are shaped like a bowl or cone.They
are common in regions of karst, where mildly acidic groundwater has dissolved rock such as
limestone,dolostone,marble,or gypsum.Sinkholes are subsidence or collapse features that form
at points of local instability.Their presence indicates that additional sinkholes may develop in the
future.The probability for karst hazards cannot be determined as easily as other hazards due to
lack of accurate mapping and historical data.
The most notable karst related event in the region was a sinkhole in Botetourt County that
occurred on Route 670 in 2005.That hole eventually expanded to 50 feet deep and 75 feet wide.
Several smaller sinkholes have damaged Interstate 81 to the north in Augusta, Rockbridge and
Shenandoah counties and south in Washington County in the past along with damage to Route
460 in Bedford County to the east.To date,there have been no federal disaster declarations or
NCEI recorded events for karst related sinkhole events. Currently, there is no comprehensive
long-term record of past events in Virginia.
KARST GEOLOGY of VIRGINIA
Legend ���
—County and City boundaries I / /
Evapontes
-Cenozoic loosely consolidated carbonate '>t
-Mesozoic carbonate conglomerate ( 54'} 1 , 1
)71/
®Mississippian carbonate � j/ j -;��"'
Siunan-Devonan carbonate //' ) 4111111k ;
1.
•
CambrunAMovic an carbonate40- ' / 2
MICambrian shalt'carbonate - * 'C
lin Marble and metacarborate
fr(i ,:#44
0
-- --Ab-
er'
0 23 30 1001010tM a
•/,^"p°' Sc, Eel.USGS,`.A.*
Figure 19:Karst Map,VDEQ
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-44
The term landslide describes many types of downhill earth movements, ranging from rapidly
moving catastrophic rock avalanches and debris flows in mountainous regions to more slowly
moving earth slides and other ground failures.
Though most landslide losses in the United States accrue from many widely distributed events,
landslides can be triggered by severe storms and earthquakes,causing spectacular damage in a
short time over a wide area.Some landslides move slowly and cause gradual damage,whereas
others move so rapidly that they can destroy property and take lives. Debris flows are a common
type of fast-moving landslide that generally occurs during intense rainfall on saturated soil.Their
consistency ranges from watery mud to thick,rocky mud(like wet cement)which is dense enough
to carry boulders, trees, and cars. Debris flows from many different sources can combine in
channels,where their destructive power may be greatly increased..'
Landslides can be triggered by both natural changes in the environment and human activities.
Inherent weaknesses in the rock or soil often combine with one or more triggering events,such
as heavy rain, snowmelt, and changes in groundwater level, or seismic activity. Erosion may
remove the toe and lateral slope support, triggering potential landslides. Human activities
triggering landslides are usually associated with construction and changes in slope and surface
water and groundwater levels. Changes in irrigation, runoff and drainage can increase erosion
and change groundwater levels and ground saturation.
Historic Event Descriptions
Historical records tell us that destructive landslides and debris flows in the Appalachian Mountains
occur when unusually heavy rain from hurricanes and intense storms soaks the ground,reducing
the ability of steep slopes to resist the downslope pull of gravity. For example,during Hurricane
Camille in 1969, such conditions generated debris flows in Nelson County, Virginia. The storm
caused 150 deaths, mostly attributed to debris flows, and more than $100 million in property
damage.Likewise,72 hours of storms in Virginia and West Virginia during early November 1985
caused debris flows and flooding in the Potomac and Cheat River basins that were responsible
for 70 deaths and$1.3 billion in damage to homes, businesses,roads,and farmlands.
Most localities of the RVARC region have experienced small, localized landslide events,
especially areas in the valleys.The mountain slopes are characterized by the USGS as having a
high susceptibility but a low incidence, indicating that few events have occurred on the higher
slopes.Chapter 2:Regional Profile contains a topographic map of the region.
The only documented concentration of landslides in the planning region has been along Smith
Creek in the Town of Clifton Forge.A State Emergency Declaration was issued in November of
1987 for the area. Heavy rain caused landslides along Smith Creek in Clifton Forge, the third
occurrence in the past decade.The area is landslide prone and structures are at risk from further
landslides.A study is warranted to determine scope of the problem and a method to stabilize the
area.
In 2008 a rockslide occurred on Route 220 just north of the City of Covington.No property damage
estimates were reported. In 2019,another event on Route 220 closed a section of the road north
of Covington for a two-week period. Small landslides just outside of Eagle Rock have closed
'Debris Flow Hazards in the Blue Ridge of Virginia,USGS Fact Sheet 159-96P.L.Gori and W.C.Burton,1996.
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-45
Route 43 multiple times. Landslides on Route 220 south in the Bent Mountain area of Roanoke
County have resulted in closures of that road multiple times.
In 2021 a debris flow event triggered by heavy rain was reported in the City of Roanoke with
$25,000 in damages. A car wash sustained severe structural damage when the hillside
immediately behind the building gave way and smashed through the rear wall of the building. No
deaths or injuries were reported.
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-46
3.7 Wildfire
Definition of Hazard
Wildfire is a particularly pernicious natural disaster that can have wide effects across the region,
affecting air quality, property, and safety. A significant portion of the region is forested and
managed by public entities,including the National Park Service,National Forest Service,Virginia
Department of Forestry, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, and the Virginia
Department of Wildlife Resources.
Several factors affect wildfires, including meteorological factors such as temperature and wind,
and non-meteorological factors such as soil moisture, topography, debris accumulation of dead
or dying vegetation, and forest density and age. Wildfires across the state are primarily caused
by debris burning. Fire laws proscribe burning until after 4pm from February 15'h to April 30th,the
major fire season across the Commonwealth. Other causes include powerlines, lightning,
campfires,and arson.
The Virginia Department of Forestry is the primary agency involved in wildfire education and
response in Virginia;however,other entities which may engage in wildfire response include local
EMS and federal entities. Data in this section comes from the VDOF unless otherwise noted.
Historic Event Descriptions
Historically,three major fire events have occurred in the region.
In 1999, Fort Lewis Mountain in the western part of Roanoke County burned out of control for a
week,endangering multiple homes before it was brought under control.
In April 2012,a series of wildfires burned more than 38,000 acres in western Virginia.One of the
largest fires impacting the region was in a remote area in Alleghany County 10 miles west of
Covington.The U.S.Forest Service reported the Alleghany Tunnel Fire burned 11,381 acres and
resulted in temporary closure of sections of routes 770 and 850.The largest fire originated in Rich
Hole Wilderness area of Alleghany County.This fire spread to private lands,grew to 15,454 acres,
and closed parts of Interstate 64 in both directions.7,351 acres burned in the Barbers Creek Fire
in Alleghany and Craig counties.All fires posed threats to structures on private lands. Fires also
occurred in Page and Shenandoah counties.
On the first weekend of March 2018, VDOF responded to 127 wildfires spread by high winds.
Across the Commonwealth. These fires burned a total of 690 acres and impacted Botetourt
County and multiple other localities across the state.A month later in Roanoke County, several
fires ignited along the shoulder of Virginia Highway 311 on Catawba Mountain,near the highway's
intersection with the Appalachian Trail.The fires grew quickly in dry and windy conditions.Several
of these fires merged into one fire which grew to 165 acres and threatened the safety of dozens
of hikers who were on the trail to McAfee Knob.
Since 2018, approximately 74 fires have occurred in the region, with 38 occurring in Alleghany
County, 18 occurring in Botetourt County, five occurring in Craig County, and 13 occurring in
Roanoke County. Of these the largest occurred in October of 2023,when 97 acres burned near
Penny Hollow and Cumberland Gap Road in Craig County.The threshold for a major fire is 100
acres.A full incident list is contained in Appendix E: Regional Wildfire Report.
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-47
3.8 Wind Event
Definition of Hazard
For the purposes of this plan,wind events shall refer to straight line wind events such as derecho
or thunderstorm winds as well as other wind events such as tornadoes.
Straight line wind is a term used to define any thunderstorm wind that is not associated with
rotation and is used mainly to differentiate from tornadic winds. Most straight-line winds are a
result of outflow generated by a thunderstorm downdraft. High winds are also associated with
hurricanes,with two significant effects:widespread debris due to damaged and downed trees and
building debris;and power outages. Half of all severe weather reports in the lower 48 states are
due to damaging winds.Since most thunderstorms produce some straight-line winds as a result
of outflow generated by the thunderstorm downdraft,anyone living in thunderstorm-prone areas
is at risk for experiencing straight line winds.The majority of the wind events experienced in the
region are considered straight line wind events, with the vast majority of these driven by
thunderstorms.
Straight line wind events can occur anywhere in the planning region and have the potential to
impact all types of buildings,power and telecommunication transmission lines,and transportation
services.
Figure 20:EF Ratings Definitions,Weaiher.gov
EF Rating Wind Speeds Expected Damage
'Mires damage shingles blown off or pan a e ?*-
roof peeled off,damage togutteMsdiq, iY
EF-0 banches broken off trees,shallow meted trees (a'.
'Moderate'anr,g.:rton sky,lhum root , .'j
amage.w�edows broken,exterior down rL I f
EF-1 amaged or lost.noble homes overturned or I ! 1 'Ii
badly damaged. .rfl
'Considerable'damage:rods tom off well wawa " wawa
constructed homes,helms shifted off their
EF-2 111-135mph rorwd.don, lehwn.a plemly .�`� t ' a '(.
destroyed,large trees snapped or uprooted,
cars ca
n be tossed
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Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-48
A tornado is a violent windstorm characterized by a twisting,funnel-shaped cloud. It is spawned
by a thunderstorm(or as a result of a hurricane)and produced when cool air overrides a layer of
warm air,forcing the warm air to rise rapidly.The damage from a tornado is a result of the high
wind velocity and wind-blown debris. Tornado season is generally April through September,
although tornadoes can occur at any time of year.
In February 2007,the National Weather Service adopted the Enhanced Fujita scale to measure
tornadoes.The EF scale replaces the original Fujita scale that led to inconsistent tornado ratings
due to a lack of damage indicators, no account of construction quality and variability, and no
definitive correlation between damage and wind speed.For example,a weak structure combined
with a slow-moving storm could lead to a tornado's rating being higher than it should be.The EF
scale accounts for these and other variables for a more accurate measurement.
Low-intensity tornadoes appear to occur most frequently in Virginia. Tornadoes rated EF2 or
higher are very rare,although EF2, EF3,and a few EF4 storms have occurred.
Historic Event Descriptions
In total,242 wind events have occurred in the region since the last update of the plan(see Table
3-1). More events were reported in Roanoke County than in any other jurisdiction.Almost all of
these events resulted in some level of damages, with a total reported cost across all events of
$2,223,850. Crop damage alone was reported at $140,000, though this number is likely
underreported. The average cost per wind event was $10,640. Sixteen events with damages
estimated at greater than$20,000 occurred in the region in this time period.
The largest scale event in the region was the derecho on June 29,2012 that arrived with 80 mph
winds and left over a million people without power and caused extensive wind damage throughout
Virginia. The event was caused by a series of days with high temperatures in excess of 100
degrees created by a heat dome over the central and eastern US followed by a line of strong
thunderstorms that moved quickly from the Chicago area to the east on the afternoon of June
29th. Emergency services personnel dealt with fires caused by downed powerlines, collapsed
roofs,and wrecked vehicles. Many businesses in the area remained closed for an extended time
and lost revenue due to the power outages while hardware stores experienced a run on
generators and propane fueled grills. It took more than two weeks for utility companies to restore
power to all residents in the region.Recovery,including the clean-up of hundreds of downed trees,
roofs and building repairs lasted throughout July and August.A federal disaster declaration was
made for this event.
Significant straight line wind events have occurred since 2019. In February 2019, a strong cold
front passed over western and southwestern Virginia. In its wake, high winds intensified in the
overnight hours particularly along and west of the Blue Ridge. Impacts were amplified by
waterlogged soil,allowing trees to be uprooted or displaced more easily.At the peak of the event,
approximately 40,000 homes in Virginia were without power.
Thunderstorms struck in May of 2019 during the afternoon and evening hours. The storms
produced hail up to the size of half dollar coins and produced damaging winds that blew down
numerous trees and power lines.At least 4,000 people lost power due to trees falling on to power
lines, and a few structures also suffered damage. In June of the same year, multiple
thunderstorms developed, some of which intensified to severe levels and produced damaging
winds that knocked down numerous trees.Numerous trees and tree limbs,as well as power lines,
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-49
were blown down by straight line thunderstorm winds in eastern Roanoke and around the
community of Vinton.Siding panels from the Roanoke Times Newspaper office were blown down
onto the street. One tree fell onto a parked car on Underhill Avenue. Damage was most
concentrated along Shelbourne Avenue in Vinton; however, damage was observed from Hardy
Road to the Roanoke River, about a 3/4-mile-wide swath. Winds picked up a metal shed on
Shelbourne Avenue and blew it into a telephone pole. The damage resulted in a loss of
commercial power to about 2,000 customers in eastern Roanoke County.
On Halloween of 2019, a cold front brought strong winds both ahead and behind the frontal
passage during the afternoon and evening hours. These winds were not associated with any
thunderstorms, but they blew down trees and power lines in southwest Virginia, particularly
impacting Botetourt and Alleghany County.
In July of 2020,thunderstorm winds brought two trees down on Catawba Valley Road in Roanoke
County. One of the trees fell onto a home in the 3700 block. Damage values are estimated at
$50,000.
A large thunderstorm complex moved east from the Ohio and Tennessee Valleys across
southwest Virginia in May of 2021.The system caused dozens of trees to be toppled across the
region particularly in Botetourt County. Heavy rainfall from these storms also caused localized
flooding in the City of Roanoke,where rainfall rates were in excess of 4 inches per hour at one
point,between a 5-year and 10-year rainfall event per NOAAAtlas 14 Point Frequency Estimates,
showing that weather events are complex and often create multiple hazards.
In June of 2022, numerous trees and power lines were downed by thunderstorm winds in
Botetourt County. Near Iron Gate,one tree fell onto a garage and damaged a vehicle.
April of 2023 saw a $60,000 estimated damage event when wind gusts resulted in many trees
and power lines down in the Cities of Salem and Roanoke and portions of Roanoke County.This
resulted in an estimated one to two thousand customers without power.Among the fallen trees,
one fell and destroyed a raptor enclosure at the Southwest Virginia Wildlife Center which cost
around$25,000 to replace.Additionally a power pole and a telephone pole were split in two.
In May of 2024, thunderstorm cells produced a tornado (discussed later in this section). In
September of 2024, Hurricane Helene caused widespread impacts across the region,with over
3,200 customers reported without power at the peak of the high winds.A peak wind speed of 68
mph was measured. There was one confirmed fatality.A woman was killed when struck by a
chicken coop that was lofted by the high winds.A deputy was also injured at the scene. Total
losses from agriculture damages were around $85,000, including losses from crops and
structures.
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-50
•
• •
•
•
--
Figure 21:Tornado Paths,NOAA
Several tornadoes have touched down in the planning region.On April 24,1896,around 4:30 pm,
a tornado moved northeast from Salem into Roanoke destroying a bowling alley and several other
buildings.A framed home near the bowling alley was leveled, killing three of the eight-member
family in the house.The five others were injured.
In Bath and Alleghany counties, the Cowpasture Valley is at an elevation of 1,500 feet and lies
between two ridges that rise 1,000 feet above the valley.On May 2,1929,a tornado struck around
6 pm. Property losses in the communities of Coronation and Sitlington were great.At least 10
people were injured, but none were killed.There were five tornadoes reported on that day. More
may have struck remote areas.Twenty-two people were killed and over 150 injured with at least
half a million dollars in damage in Alleghany and Bath counties.
April 3-4,1974 is known as the"Super Outbreak"with 148 tornadoes,315 people killed and 5,484
injured across the United States. It was the most tornadoes ever in recorded in a 24-hour period
and it was the worst tornado outbreak since February 19, 1884. In Virginia,eight tornadoes hit.
One person was killed and 15 injured,all in mobile homes.Over 200 homes and barns and over
40 mobile homes and trailers were damaged or destroyed.The Saltville area and Roanoke were
the hardest hit.An F3 tornado touched down on the west edge of Roanoke, near Salem around
5 a.m., and moved through the north part of Roanoke to Bonsack and into Botetourt County to
the Blue Ridge area. The path was initially a mile wide, but it continued to narrow to 75 yards
across near the end of its track of damage. It hit four schools(two lost portions of their roof and
two had windows broken out)and two apartment complexes,Grandview Village Apartments(18
buildings damaged) and Ferncliff Apartments (lost roof). The Red Cross reported 120 homes
damaged or destroyed in the Roanoke area.Trees were down on buildings and cars. Carports,
garages,and porches were flattened. Roofs were partly blown off several houses in Botetourt.
A small tornado struck northern Roanoke County on August 5,2003.The storm had winds of 110-
113 miles per hour and caused damage to ITT Industries and Sunnybrook Garage on Plantation
Road in addition to damaging roofs,fences and a car in the area. No injuries were reported as a
result of the tornado.
A small tornado touched down in the City of Roanoke on June 4, 2008. The tornado was rated
EF-0 on the Enhanced Fujita Scale of tornado intensity.The National Weather Service reported
that the storm knocked down power lines and trees, including on houses along a 1.4-mile path.
Appalachian Power stated that the storm knocked out power to 4,000 customers.
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-51
A tornado touched down just east of the Town of New Castle on April 15,2018.Classified as an
EF-1,estimated windspeeds reached 105 mph and had a path length of 0.5 miles.The tornado
damaged 6 homes,several outbuildings and garages,and approximately 50 trees in the vicinity.
Three cars and a double axel trailer were moved including one truck that was flipped over.The
tornado was part of a wide regional outbreak made up of several supercells on April 15th
impacting communities in Virginia and North Carolina.
On August 1,2020 an isolated storm produced an EFO tornado,resulting in a discontinuous path
of damage with uprooted trees and small trees snapped aloft,with damages estimated at$3,500.
An EF-1 tornado touched down near the intersection of Karen Drive and Joan Circle,on May 26,
2024. Several tree trunks were snapped.Additional trees were snapped and uprooted as the
tornado moved east-northeast,with loss of roofing material noted at several homes and apartment
buildings just south of the Roanoke River. The tornado lifted just east of Electric Road near the
intersection of Midland and Easton Roads. The estimated peak wind speeds were 100 to 105
mph. Damage was estimated to be 1.17 million dollars.The same storm cells spawned straight
line winds which resulted in an estimated$22,000 worth of damages.
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-52
3.9 Winter Storm
Definition of Hazard
Winter storms are events which create snow,freezing rain,or sleet.This frozen precipitation can
accumulate on powerlines, trees, roofs and roads and cause damage or fatalities through car
wrecks, loss of electricity, and, in extreme cases, damage to buildings. The planning region
experiences a handful of winter storm events each year.
Winter storms are commonly assessed with the Northeast Snowfall Impact Scale(NESIS).Some
Category 1 or 2 storms are recorded in the NESTS database which have a southern extent within
the planning region over the past five years. However,the core of these storms was not localized
in the planning region.
Category NESIS Value Description
1 1-2.499 Notable
2 2.5-3.99 Significant
3 4-5.99 Major
4 6-9.99 Crippling
5 10.0+ Extreme
Figure 22:NESTS Scale
Historic Event Descriptions
While typical snow and ice events result in low accumulations, several larger winter storms have
been documented in the region.
February of 1960 found the area blanketed with 27.6 inches and March delivered 30.3 inches that
same year.The March storm registered as a Category 4 storm across the northeast. In January
of 1966, the area received a total of 41.2 inches of snow in a Category 3 storm. The second
greatest official snow accumulation in a single 24-hour period occurred on February 11th and 12th
of 1983 when 18.6 inches covered the region in another Category 3 storm.The storm resulted in
snowdrifts of up to three feet in height.This was the third heaviest snowfall in over 100 years.
The "Storm of the Century" hit the valley in March 1993, the first Category 5 since the NESIS
scale became commonly used to directly impact the region. With blizzard-like conditions and
nearly 30 inches of snow,this was the biggest winter storm in 10 years. Localities in the region
received a Presidential Declaration of Emergency and the National Guard was mobilized to help
with emergency transportation needs.Shelters were open for those without electricity.
A devastating storm struck the region and surrounding jurisdictions in February 1994,with one to
three inches of solid ice from freezing rain and sleet. Roads were blocked, electric and phone
lines were damaged,and a large portion of the valley was without electricity.
The"Blizzard of'96,"also a Category 5,dropped 22.2 inches officially in 24 hours in early January
of 1996 and remains the current record 24-hour snowfall.Many areas of the region received more
than 36 inches during the same period.
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-53
In March 2009 snowfall reports in the region ranged from 6 to 9 inches and were the largest snow
event since 2005. The Winter of 2009-2010 brought three major winter storms to the area. On
December 18th, with areas of Craig and Alleghany County reporting up to 23 inches, snow
continued to fall for the next 11 days.The first week of February 2010, saw another 8-10 inches
fall on top of an event in late January that had already dropped 10-12 inches causing power
outages, and dangerous driving conditions. The biggest snowstorm on record for the City was
December 18-19,2009 with 17.8 inches.
The City of Roanoke's snowiest single day in December occurred in 2018 with 15.2 inches.
Since the last iteration of this plan,31 winter storm or winter weather events have been recorded
by NCEI in the planning region. These events are generally widespread and affect multiple
localities,meaning that it is more truthful to say that only about 11 individual events have occurred.
These events have mostly been characterized by snowfall of less than 10 inches or ice
accumulation,with the most widespread impacts being power outages.
In January of 2019,a winter storm event resulted in snow and ice across much of the region,with
snow accumulations of up to 4.8 inches in some places followed by slight ice accumulations from
sleet and freezing rain. In February, another storm affected the region,with around 4 inches of
accumulation.
The 2020-2021 winter storm season began early in December,when snow and ice accumulations
of a half inch to 2.5 inches were observed across the region.Another region-wide storm struck at
the end of January,with snowfall amounts of 4-7 inches recorded across the region.Two small
winter weather events struck Craig and Roanoke Counties respectively in February. These
episodes were brief and resulted in less than half inch accumulations of sleet.Another storm event
affected the whole region later in the month,with accumulations of less than 1.5 inches.
January of 2022 saw two regional winter storm events.Accumulations in the region ranged from
1.5 to 6.5 inches in the first storm event,and from 1 to 8 inches in the second storm event.
January of 2024 saw a small episode of winter weather in Alleghany,followed by an episode of
heavy snow in Botetourt and Roanoke Counties with accumulations of 4.8 and 3.5 inches
respectively in higher elevations.
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-54
3.10 Hazards Not Assessed
Drought
Drought is defined by four factors: precipitation, groundwater levels, streamflow, and reservoir
levels. The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality monitors drought across the state to
designate drought events.
Five major droughts affected Virginia in the 20th century, during 1930-32, 1938-42, 1962-71,
1980-82, and from 1998 to 2002. Following the 2002 drought, the Local and Regional Water
Supply Planning Regulation was established in Virginia,which required each locality to develop
and submit a plan by 2011,either alone or in collaboration with other localities.The Virginia State
Water Resources Plan (SWRP)was finalized and released to the public in October 2015.An
update of the document was conducted in 2020.
There are three water supply plans which overlap the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany region included
in the 2020 SWRP:
• The Upper James Water Supply Plan: this plan covers Alleghany, Bath, and Highland
Counties,as well as Lexington,Buena Vista,Covington,Clifton Forge and Iron Gate and
was produced in partnership with Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission.
• The Roanoke River Water Supply Plan:this plan covers Roanoke,Bedford,Botetourt,and
Franklin Counties as well as the cities of Roanoke and Salem,and the Towns of Boones
Mill, Buchanan,Fincastle,Rocky Mount,Troutville and Vinton.
• The Craig County—Town of New Castle Regional Water Supply Plan: this plan covers
Craig County and the Town of New Castle.
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Figure 23:Water Supply Planning Areas,DEQ
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-55
The Regional Commission is currently in the process of assisting with updates to regional Water
Supply plans following new watershed boundary guidance released in 20248.Two plans will be
completed for the Roanoke River basin and Upper James basin respectively.These will supply
data and information for a future iteration of the SWRP. Water supply planning includes
information concerning community water systems and self-supplied users,existing and potential
sources of water supply,existing use,and anticipated future water demand.Further integration of
water supply planning with the hazard mitigation plan may be advantageous in future plan
iterations.
Pandemic
A pandemic is an epidemic that has reached a global level of spread. On January 30,2020,the
World Health Organization declared a Public Health Emergency of Concern following
identification of the coronavirus COVID-19,followed by a declaration of pandemic on March 11th
of that year.The pandemic had harsh economic ripple effects across the Commonwealth and the
country. While this document does not assess future pandemic risk, a brief summary of local
impacts is included below as a learning opportunity for future disaster events.
In Virginia,a State of Emergency was declared on March 12th of 2020. On March 13th all K-12
schools in the Commonwealth were ordered closed.On March 23rd,businesses such as bowling
alleys,gyms,and theaters were also ordered closed.On March 24th,restaurants were ordered to
close dining rooms. On March 30th, a statewide Stay at Home order was issued. The Stay at
Home order remained broadly in effect until May 15th. During Phase One reopening,people were
still encouraged to maintain social distancing and mask fully in public. Social gatherings were
capped at 10 people, and outdoor dining was allowed at restaurants. On May 29th, Virginians
received an official order requiring all people to mask indoors. Phase Two reopening began on
June 5th, which allowed an increase in social gatherings from 10 to 50 people. Limited indoor
dining returned to restaurants and gyms were able to reopen.On June 8th,evictions proceedings
were suspended. On July 1st, Virginia entered Phase Three reopening, which further loosened
restrictions. On November 15th, new restrictions were placed limiting all indoor and outdoor
gatherings to 25 people due to surging case numbers. On December 14th, a universal stay-at-
home order was issued between 12 am and 5 am,along with a universal mask mandate. Social
gatherings were limited to 10 people.
A vaccine was first made available in Virginia in December of 2020,but was restricted to frontline
workers due to availability.As of April 2021, the vaccine was officially available to all Virginians
aged 16 or older. The universal indoor mask mandate was lifted in May of 2021, along with all
social distancing and venue capacity restrictions.
Economic impacts from the pandemic can be seen in a variety of data points, including
unemployment rates,spending and tax revenues,and business closures.9
Many community stakeholders found their operations directly affected by the pandemic.While a
full list of discussions can be found in Appendix A: Public Engagement Summary, a major
takeaway was that non-governmental organizations and nonprofits serving marginalized
communities found themselves quickly adapting in order to meet sharp increases in demand for
services which government programs were not able to fully cover.This shows that, while NGO
e(Virginia Department of Environmental Quality,n.d.)
9(Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission,2025)
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-56
and nonprofit aid programs cannot replace government assistance,they are a pivotal part of the
post-disaster response, in many cases providing immediate emergency aid while other, longer-
term aid was being processed.
Hospitals were additionally a frontline for disaster response.Hospitalizations and deaths from the
pandemic in the years of 2020-2021 are captured in Table 15. Data comes from Virginia's Open
Data Portal.
Table 16:Infections,Hospitalizations,and Deaths due to COVID-19,2020-2021
Alleghany 2,512 87 87
Botetourt 4,825 105 66
Craig 761 22 11
Roanoke County 14,245 281 195
Covington 818 34 19
Salem 4,396 108 83
Roanoke City 14,290 335 272
Total •
The total number of deaths reported per the Virginia Department of Health and Human Services
was 5,000 for the year 2020,614 more than were observed in 2019.1°.The total number of deaths
reported due to COVID-19 in 2020 was 560.It is safe to assume that deaths and hospitalizations
due to COVID-19 represent an increased burden on hospital and health services staff. Bed
capacity at area hospitals is included in Chapter 2:Regional Profile..11.
In 2025,there are 1,463 licensed beds in three area hospitals within the service area. Hospitals
outside of the service area may receive patients in a diversion event. In the case of the COVID-
19 pandemic, lockdown and social distancing measures reduced spread sufficiently to allow for
the care of all patients. In a more acute disaster,hospital bed capacity may be a limiting factor to
disaster response, causing a greater loss of life. In the case of Hurricane Helene, further
discussed in Section 3.5 in this chapter,diverted patients from Asheville,North Carolina reached
Roanoke's area hospitals in cases where specific treatments were needed for patients (e.g. in
high-risk pregnancies)as reported in stakeholder interviews with CHIP. Further study of hospital
capacity in disaster situations is recommended but could not be encompassed fully in this plan.
10(Division of Health Statistics,Virginia Department of Health,n.d.)
11(Virginia Health Information,2021)
Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-57
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Chapter 3:Hazard Identification Page 13-58
Chapter 4.Risk Assessment
4.1 Disaster Rankings
Hazards assessed in this chapter include all listed hazards from Chapter 3 with the exception of
section 3.11 Hazards Not Assessed and 3.5 Hurricane and Tropical Storm.While the region
experiences the impacts of a few tropical storms or depressions and remnants of hurricanes,
these impacts are experienced as flooding and wind events,and assessment of these two events
reasonably addresses risk from Hurricane and Tropical Storm.
This section summarizes the contents of the following sections of the chapter. For more
information on what data was used for individual hazard assessment,please refer to the relevant
section of this chapter.Definitions of ranking methodology are included for reference.
Projected Scale of Event Hazard events may occur on site-specific, community, or regional
scales. Estimated scale of event is derived from the impacts of historic events and the projected
likelihood of events to remain substantially similar in the future. Scores are defined by the
approximate land area affected by a single event.
Projected Scale of Event
Local Effects
Effects of an event are Effects of an event affect multiple
localized to a parcel or Effects of an event affect a jurisdictions or the region as a
neighborhood. substantial portion of the jurisdiction. whole.
Projected Costs per Annum: Costs are a concrete way to estimate impact from a hazard event.
Costs have been derived where possible from NRI and NCEI data, HAZUS modeling,and other
sources.Costs are represented as high,medium,and low based off of thresholds defined by the
individual jurisdictions.This may mean that costs that are considered high for one jurisdiction are
low for another jurisdiction.
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-1
Projected Costs per Annum
Low
Allegheny County Under$25,000 $25,000-$35,000 $35,000 or higher
City of Covington Under$25,000 $25,000-$35,000 $35,000 or higher
Town of Clifton Forge Under$25,000 $25,000-$35,000 $35,000 or higher
Town of Iron Gate Under$25,000 $25,000-$35,000 $35,000 or higher
Craig County Under$25,000 $25,000-$35,000 $35,000 or higher
Town of New Castle Under$25,000 $25,000-$50,000 $50,000 or higher
Botetourt County Under$50,000 $50,000-$200,000 . $200,000 or higher
Town of Buchanan Under$25,000 $25,000-$50,000 $50,000 or higher
Town of Fincastle Under$25,000 $25,000-$50,000 $50,000 or higher
Town of Troutville Under$50,000 $50,000-$200,000 $200,000 or higher
Roanoke County Under$200,000 $200,00-$1.5 million $1.5 million or higher
Town of Vinton Under$25,000 $25,000-$50,000 $50,000 or higher
City of Roanoke Under$200,000 $200,00-$1.5 million $1.5 million or higher
City of Salem Under$200,000 $200,00-$1.5 million $1.5 million or higher
Roanoke Valley Resource Authority Under$25,000 $25,000-$50,000 $50,000 or higher
Western Virginia Water Authority Under$25,000 $25,000-$50,000 $50,000 or higher
Projected Frequency of Events: This takes into account the data accumulated in Chapter 3
regarding historical events.Frequent small to medium events can be just as impactful as a single
large event,and more costly over the long term for communities.
Projected Frequency of Event
Less than Annual
An event occurs once every An event occurs on average once a An event occurs on average
two or more years. year. multiple times a year.
Projected Local Vulnerabilities: This is the most individual of the rankings. Projected local
vulnerability to a hazard may be dependent on many factors,including the location of critical and
vulnerable facilities,age of population,and other specific vulnerabilities which may be important
to modeling impacts of that hazard. For example,certain hazards become more critical in areas
with steeper slopes,or with increased impervious surfaces.When possible, NRI data will inform
this ranking.
Projected Local Vulnerability
Low
Thresholds for these rankings are defined for each hazard.
Rankings are made for each locality,using a variety of data sources as appropriate or available.
Rankings have then been consolidated for the region and special district service areas.
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-2
Sections of this chapter will specifically cite annual probability and expected annual loss provided
by the National Risk Index when available and appropriate. When not available, the closest
reasonable estimate will be supplied for comparison purposes.
In the case where HAZUS modeling or other improved local estimates of loss or risk exist,those
numbers will be given preference. It is understood that the regional agencies that operate in the
region are impacted by the hazards equivalent to the jurisdictions wherein they operate. Further
discussion of regional entities included in this plan will occur in Chapter 6: Regional Mitigation
Action Plan and Chapter 7:Jurisdiction-Specific Mitigation Action Plans.
Once values are assigned to each of these elements,the total score is ranked on the following
scale:
• Hazard of Low Concern(4 to 6 points)
• Hazard of Medium Concern(7 to 9 points)
• Hazard of High Concern(10 to 12 points)
A regional score and a locality specific score are assigned for each hazard.
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-3
All Hazard Ranking Table
Table 17:All Hazards Ranking Table
Hazard Ranking Table:All Hazards
Extreme I Geologic
Locality Earthquake Temperatures Flooding Hazards Wildfire Wind Event Winter Storm
Alleghany County Medium Medium High Medium Medium High Medium
City of Covington Medium Low Medium Low Low High Medium
Town of Clifton
Forge Medium Low High Low Medium Medium Medium
Town of Iron Gate Low Low High Low Medium High Medium
Craig County Low Low Medium Low Low High Medium
Town of New
Castle rLow Low Medium Low Low High Medium
Botetourt County Medium Medium High _ Low ._Law_ High Medium
Town of Buchanan Medium Medium High Low Low High Medium
Town of Fincastle Medium Medium High Low Low High Medium
- ---
Town of Troutville Medium Medium High Low Low High Medium
Roanoke County Medium Medium High Medium High High Medium
Town of Vinton Medium Medium High Low Low Medium Medium
City of Roanoke Medium High High Low Low Medium Medium
City of Salem Low Medium High Low Low Medium Medium
WVWA Service
Area Medium Medium High Low Low Medium Medium
RVRA Service Area Medium Medium High Low Low High Medium
Regional Score Low Low , ; A
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-4
Considerations for Special Districts
While impacts to specific special district facilities historically are generally discussed in Chapter
3,quantifying future vulnerability is more difficult.For the purposes of this assessment,the service
area of each special district will be used as a way to assess risk. Future risk assessment models
should further individualize risk for special districts based on service type and systems reliability.
Factors for analysis may include infrastructure reliability,employee safety standards,and facilities
vulnerabilities.
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
As the Regional Commission service area maps to the planning area with the exception of
Franklin County,the overall regional score will describe Regional Commission's service area risk.
In a significant crisis event, the Regional Commission is likely to provide technical support
services to all signatories of the plan.
Roanoke Valley Resource Authority
The RVRA serves the localities of the Cities of Roanoke and Salem,the County of Roanoke,and
the Town of Vinton.While facilities are primarily located in the Cities of Roanoke and Salem,the
RVRA or their partners must access all roadways and localities to provide services and maintain
operations.Accordingly,the modal score across the member localities is used to assess overall
risk to the RVRA. Notably, outcomes from the risk assessment support the high vulnerability to
flooding that RVRA has seen historically.This does not mean the RVRA is not susceptible to other
hazard events which affect their service area, especially winter storm, where shutdown of
roadways may inhibit service provision;wind events,where gusts may create flying shrapnel from
solid waste;and extreme temperature,which may inhibit employees from moving to collect solid
waste in harsh outdoor conditions or reduce productivity.
Western Virginia Water Authority
The WVWA serves a broader region than the planning area.The WVWA provides drinking water
service for residents and businesses in the City of Roanoke,the Counties of Roanoke, Franklin
and Botetourt and the Towns of Roones Min. iron Cate and Vinton. sanitary wastewater service
is provided for the greater Roanoke Valley. Through a contractual agreement, water and
wastewater service is provided in the Town of Fincastle.They are also working to provide service
to the Craig-New Castle Public Service Authority.For the purposes of this assessment,the WVWA
risk will be determined the modal score across the City of Roanoke, the Counties of Roanoke,
Botetourt,and Craig,and the Towns located therein.
Notably,outcomes from the risk assessment support the high vulnerability to flooding that WVWA
has seen historically. This does not mean the WVWA is not susceptible to other hazard events
which affect their service area,especially extreme temperature,which may affect water and sewer
lines as well as pump stations;and drought,which is not assessed in this plan.Additionally,high
hazard potential dam documentation located in Appendix H captures facilities located outside of
the planning region, including two facilities in Bedford County, as these facilities are critical to
water service provision for the region and owned by the WVWA.
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-5
High Hazard Potential Dams
High hazard potential dams are a unique structure within the region which may complicate hazard
events.Key risks to dam structures include flooding,earthquake,and geologic hazards.Flooding
is one of the most commonly occurring hazards in the region, and improving structures to
withstand increased flooding frequency and increasingly high flood events is important in reducing
risk of dam failure and downstream inundation. Further analysis is needed to assess structural
vulnerability to increased rain and flood events and potential downstream impacts; however,
efforts have been made to collect emergency action plans,inundation maps,and dam safety fact
sheets where available.
Earthquakes may negatively impact dam structures,which can cause the loss of water supply for
a community, loss of energy generation, and downstream flooding resulting in loss of life and
property damage.Earthquakes may also cause landslides or trigger other geologic hazards which
can negatively affect both water quality in the reservoir and impoundment structure access. In
1979,the first Federal Guidelines for Dam Safety. However,further documentation in the form of
the Earthquake Analyses and Design of Dams guidance was not completed until May 2005.This
indicates that dams within the region, largely built before that time, may be susceptible to
earthquakes. Further analysis is needed to determine the compounding risk factors of
earthquakes on high hazard potential dams in the region.
A comprehensive list of High Hazard Potential Dams in the region is located in Chapter 3. Dam
safety fact sheets and select inundation maps are located in Appendix H.
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-6
4.2 Earthquake
Earthquake is a rare hazard in the region, but several factors make a potential occurrence
concerning. The age of housing stock, social vulnerability factors, steep slopes and the lack of
experience with this hazard could make a large earthquake deadly in the planning region.
Projected Scale of Event
In Chapter 3, historic events were discussed. Generally, earthquakes are considered a wide-
ranging event which ignore geographic boundaries. The 2020 earthquake was felt throughout
most of the service area,despite originating in North Caroline,and was only measured at a V to
VI at its epicenter.It is reasonable to expect that a larger earthquake anywhere across the western
portion of Virginia or North Carolina could have effects in the region.A large earthquake with an
epicenter in the region would likely be felt across the region even if it were a smaller event.The
small 2021 earthquake which occurred on the Montgomery County border was felt through parts
of Roanoke County,the City of Salem,and the City of Roanoke.
Projected Costs of Event
Expected losses for this event are difficult to quantify.No historical loss information was found to
support this plan.
Table 18:Expected Annual Loss and Exposure Values for Earthquake,NRI
Locality Expected Annual Loss Exposure Value
$
Alleghany County $ 27,538.00 179,683,942,000.00
City of Covington $ 12,797.00 67,930,465,000.00
BotetourtCounty $ 58,140.00 395,469,648,000.00
Craig County $ 10,382.00 57,657,907,000.00
Roanoke County $ 293,1 .00 1,141,602,462,000.00
City of Roanoke $ 454,632.00 1,181,643,712,000.00
City of Salem $ 116,212.00 300,396,037,000.00
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-7
Projected Frequency of Event
The USGS Hazard Mapping for earthquakes shows that the region has a 5-25% chance of an
earthquake measuring VI or greater on the Mercalli Intensity scale in the next 100 years.This is
a relatively low probability consistent with much of Virginia and the east coast.The nearest higher
risk center for earthquakes is located on the far side of Kentucky and Tennessee.
NRI data indicates the following annual probability and expected annual loss for earthquakes in
the region.Towns are included in counties for the purposes of this analysis.
Table 19:Annualized Frequency Values for Earthquakes,NRI
Annualized Frequency Value(%)
Allegheny County 0.03
City of Covington 0.03
Botetourt County 0.03
Craig County 0.04
Roanoke County 0.039
City of Roanoke 0.048
City of Salem 0.04
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-8
2USGS
Chance of slight(or greater)
nraka damaging earthquake shaking*
• in 100 years
z + ->95
1 H�wai1 I`. d'. a .;� -75-95
° -50-75
l I I 125-50
®5.25
•
L
<5
• •equivalent to Mocitied Mercalli
.` •y1/ Intensity\I.which is defined as:
k•
• 'Fch by all.man)Irightcn.d.
;,� • litAlaska Sonic hwass fumiture,ntwe<.a
�. ....,rrr„a'� . . 0.• 500Miles" , ;. a,
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Fes h
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7 T--` _ 0 00 Kilometers*. "Alaska.I I s,t,,and the
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0;. -.. ....,__ ; — —— ..: ( \
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\y 1 • I 141' _ ; M' Population densih•
(per km')
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Figure 24:Earthquake Risk Mapping,USGS
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-9
Projected Local Vulnerability
Eighty percent of the housing stock in the region was built prior to 1980. These structures are
likely not protected from earthquakes.Per FEMA,existing buildings are the biggest contributor to
seismic risk in the United States today. Building codes prior to 1970 may not have included
seismic design,which is a key factor in mitigating possible damage from earthquakes.A deeper
look at the numbers shows that residences in Alleghany County,the City of Covington, and the
City of Roanoke may be uniquely vulnerable to earthquakes. In the City of Covington,three out
of four dwelling units are likely at risk from earthquakes.
Table 20:Homes Built Before 1970,ACS 5-Year Estimate 2023
HousIn: Units Built before 1970 Percents:e bulk before 1970
Virginia 1,080,622 3d%
Alleghany County 4,082 52%
City of Covington 2,341 77%
Botetourt County 4,119 27%
Craig County 803 34%
Roanoke County 14,370 34%
City of Roanoke 31,496 64%
City of Salem 5,406 49%
The 2024 Edition of FEMA's Seismic Design Category Maps show designations for the
International Building Code and the International Residential Code regarding seismic design.12.
The majority of the planning region is located in category B of the International Residential Code.
Other factors that are worth assessing in future plans may include soil composition, building
height, and number of manufactured homes. Soil composition is directly considered in the
applicability the 2024 Edition of FEMA's Seismic Design Category Maps. High risk soils must do
site specific assessment.
For the local vulnerability score,designations of low,medium and high were assigned at natural
thresholds of under 50 percent of aged dwellings,50-75 percent of aged dwellings,and 75 percent
or more of aged dwellings.Towns share the same score as the county in which they are located.
This is not a perfect methodology and should be revisited in future iterations of the plan.Age of
housing or building stock in towns may trend significantly higher than that of the enclosing county.
12(Federal Emergency Management Agency,2024)
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-10
Hazard Ranking Table
Table 21:Hazard Ranking for Earthquake
Hazard Ranking
Table: Earthquake
Costs per Frequency of Local Vulnerability Overall
Locality i Scale of Event Annum !vent Score Score
Region-Wide tess than
Allegheny County Effects Medium Annual Medium Medium
Region-Wide Less than
City of Covington Effects Low Annual High Medium
Town of Clifton Region-Wide _ess than
Forge Effects Low Annual Medium Medium
Region-Wide _ess than
Town of Iron Gate Effects Low Annual Low Low
Region-Wide _ess than
Craig County Effects Low Annual Low Low
Town of New Region-Wide Less than
Castle Effects Low Annual Low Low
Region-Wide Less than
Botetourt County Effects Medium Annual Low Medium
Town of Region-Wide Less than
Buchanan Effects Medium Annual Low Medium
Region-Wide Less than
Town of Fincastle Effects Medium Annual Low Medium
Region-Wide Less than
Town of Troutvilie Effects Medium Annual Low Medium
Region-Wide Less than
Roanoke County Effects Medium Annual Low Medium
Region-Wide Less than
Town of Vinton Effects Medium Annual Low Medium
Region-Wide Less than
City of Roanoke Effects Medium Annual Medium Medium
Region-Wide Less than
City of Salem Effects Low Annual Low Low
Region-Wide Less than
RVRA Effects Medium Annual Low Medium
Region-Wide Less than
WVWA Effects Medium Annual Low Medium
Region-Wide Less than
Regional Score Effects Medium Annual Low Medium
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-11
4.3 Extreme Temperature
Many models project an increase in extreme weather conditions in the coming years,particularly
in experiences of heat waves. While the thresholds used to attempt to analyze historical events
are detailed in Chapter 3, these measurements are not perfect comparisons to the national
definitions for a cold wave and a heat wave. NRI uses these terms to describe extreme
temperature.
Heat wave: a period of abnormally and uncomfortably hot and unusually humid weather
typically lasting two or more days with temperatures outside the historical averages for a
given area.
Cold wave:a rapid fall in temperature within 24 hours and extreme low temperatures for
an extended period. The temperatures classified as a cold wave are dependent on the
location and defined by the local National Weather Service(NWS)weather forecast office.
While having a national standard for temperature is important, localized conditions can create
very different experiences of temperature, as discussed in the previous chapter. Additionally,
changing norms in the region due to increased impervious surfaces and general trends in weather
conditions can mean that heat events in particular are perceived as more critical by a given
region's residents even when actual temperatures are less than in neighboring regions.
Generally,more data is needed to fully support this section.However,an initial attempt to assess
impacts of extreme temperatures is included below.
Projected Scale of Event
Generally, weather-based hazards tend to be the most boundary-crossing. However, land use
and elevation vary widely throughout the planning area. Temperatures in the rural and higher
elevations of Craig County,northern Botetourt County,and the Alleghany Highlands trend slightly
lower than temperatures in the Roanoke Valley.
Case Studies of Extreme Temperature Impacts
Two case studies of extreme heat and extreme cold incidents are worth looking at to guide this
assessment: the heat dome in Seattle, Washington, and the cold wave in Richmond, Virginia.
These are extreme events which show the scale of potential damage for this hazard should
compounding factors occur. Both of these studies highlight impacts on critical infrastructure as
being a compounding factor for extreme temperatures as well as other hazards. Specifically,
power grids,healthcare facilities,and water utilities may be at risk from these events.
Richmond, Virginia Cold Wave of 2025
On January 6, 2025, residents across Richmond lost access to water during a cold wave that
caused major failures to water infrastructure. Specifically, power was lost to the main water
treatment plant.Backup battery power failed,the facility flooded and submerged critical electrical
systems.There was a complete water treatment plant power outage for nearly 36 hours.13 Water
production was restored on January 9th, but a boil water notification was in place until January
11th.Water losses affected area hospitals and other critical facilities.
13(HNTB Corporation,2025)
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-12
Power failure at the water treatment plant occurred during a prolonged cold wave and concurrent
winter storm event which caused power loss. An article in The Richmonder on January 1st
predicted around two weeks of below average temperatures driven by a polar vortex event..'"
The Interstate Commission on the Potomac River Basin modeled economic and fiscal costs of a
water supply disruption in the National Capital Region. Notable economic losses from water
disruption begin in as little as two hours from the event, with impacts disproportionately felt by
small businesses..15
Seatle, Washington Heat Wave of 2021
In the summer of 2021 Seattle, Washington experienced a heat dome event. This area of the
country does not have typically hot summers—however,triple digit temperatures were recorded.
The Washington Department of Health tracked 136 heat-related deaths across the state from
June 26 through July 6, 2021. No planning was done for an event of that scale, because no
models predicted it.Many of the care facilities in the region did not have air conditioning,making
them particularly vulnerable. Power outages occurred due to the stress on the grid, and critical
equipment such as imagining and laboratory equipment overheated._16
Impacts from this event were largely felt in healthcare facilities, which were already strained by
COVID-19, and in the power grid. Vulnerable populations including the elderly, homeless, and
those in healthcare facilities or otherwise lacking mobility to evacuate were especially impacted.
Projected Costs of Event
Costs of opening shelters,mortality costs and crop damage may all be important costs to consider
when assessing the costs of extreme temperature events.For example,consistent temperatures
over 90 degrees reduce or halt the growth rate of most grasses used for cattle feed in this region,
increasing costs of meat production for farmers and reducing their margins.Higher temperatures
result in increased energy costs for home owners, and higher demand on the grid can have
complicating factors for utility service providers.These costs are hard to quantify in assessing the
impacts of this hazard.
Table 22:Expected Annual Loss for Cold Wave,NRI
Expected Annual
Locality Loss Exposure Value
Alteghany County $42,546 $179,47E 356,906
City of Covington $9,600 $67,930,487,195
Botetourt County $36,708 $394,929,053,010
Craig County $8,338 $57,558,866,073
Roanoke County $65,026 $1,141,152,733,759
City of Roanoke $100,139 $1,181,121,995,799
City of Salem $25,405 $300,396,106,588
'^(Sublette,2025)
15(Tanya E.Thornton,2024)
16(ASPR TRACIE,2023)
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-13
This hazard is one of the main hazards for which shelters are regularly opened in the planning
region. Shelters serve as heating and cooling centers when other weather events cause power
outages,or simply when temperatures become extreme enough that those without reliable shelter
have need.Further plan iterations should seek to quantify the cost of opening shelters for extreme
heat and extreme cold to close the gap in national data,as well as the cost of illness and mortality
in the housing insecure via coordination with EMS staff, local area hospitals, and local area
homeless shelters.
Urban Heat Island Effect
Urban cores retain heat for a variety of reasons.
creating a heat island effect.Canadian researchers
illustrated the differences between rural areas,
leafy neighborhoods and
downtown areas with the B9•F r
following summer example. .Pwp`
/
LATE AFTERNOON :r "
TEMPERATURES l e s ^
R
I
81" ill � r`1TO i t=•,. * Dark roads and asphalt
a A°� parking lots retain heat
- `.. park rooftops retain heat
'r :'f' Lack of trees means less shade
it
-� , P and less evapotranspiration to
h I help cod tlx air
• sop., V Heat trapped by buildings keeps
ui•
♦tOls Qrr�r N urban cores warmer at night
-lAt i Waste heat horn facaories,buildings and
_+I �ss'�''pg vehicles adds to the heal island effect
At.
Impermeable surfaces reduce
surface moisture
SOURCE D S LenImm ana awmA+cunar.cn„yr enp.so aw e&et+Rox rwut ncwn „ssrc i,-w,.n««,
Figure 25:Urban Heat Island Effect,City of Roanoke
Projected Frequency of Event
Annual average of extreme heat and extreme cold historically are discussed in Chapter 3,with 32
extreme heat days and 5 extreme cold days byc definitions used in that chapter.Annual frequency
by that definition is multiple times per year. NRI data which is based off of different definitions,
contests this. The annualized frequency value for cold waves remains low in the region, at
between 0.1 and 0.3 events per year.
No annualized frequency data is available for heat wave in the planning region. However, heat
waves occur and multiple heat advisories were issued in the region during the writing of this plan.
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-14
Table 23:Annualized Frequency of Cold Waves,NRI
Annualized Frequency
Locality Value
Allegheny County 0.3
City of Covington 0.3
Botetourt County 0.1
Craig County 0.3
Roanoke County 0.1
City of Roanoke 0.1
City of Salem 0.1
The City of Roanoke conducted urban heat island mapping to capture the risks of extreme heat
within this locality.Mapping from this study recorded a variation in temperature of up to 15 degrees
Fahrenheit across the City, with temperatures highest in downtown and low-income
neighborhoods. Late evening temperatures of greater than 89 degrees were observed in these
areas.
Projected Local Vulnerability
Factors that can increase vulnerability to extreme temperature include the weatherization rate of
buildings, impervious surfaces ratios,and age of residents. For very few other hazards is social
vulnerability, including factors of age, health and well-being, and poverty, such a key marker of
risk. For this reason, social vulnerability numbers from the NRI are a key indicator of local
vulnerability for this hazard.
Table 24:Social Vulnerability,NRI
Locality Social Vulnerability
Allegheny
County Relatively Low
City of
Covington Very Low
Botetourt
County Very Low
Craig County Very Low
Roanoke County Very Low
City of Roanoke Very High
City of Salem Relatively Low
Specific data readily available for this iteration of the plan include demographic numbers around
the age of the population, information on how houses are heated, age of housing stock, and
information around vulnerable homeless populations.
Table 25 shows Vulnerable Populations by Age. Age increases susceptibility to temperature-
related mortality.The table below shows the percentage of the population less than 5 years old
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-15
and older than 65 years old.Percentages of this vulnerable population do not directly parallel the
NRI social vulnerability estimate. Clifton Forge and Alleghany County have the most vulnerable
population in the region by age,likely due to the size of the 65 and older population.
Table 20: Homes Built Before 1970,ACS 5-Year Estimate 2023 shows that the City of Roanoke
and City of Covington have the oldest housing stock by percentage,with City of Roanoke having
the highest count of older housing stock.This is an important data point for extreme temperatures.
Older housing stock is typically less weatherized, and so extreme temperatures are harder to
counteract through heating and cooling systems. Keeping the house regulated is a greater
financial burden on the homeowner. Some older houses may not have cooling systems at all,
especially in lower income neighborhoods.
Heating fuel data is available through the 2023 ACS 5-year estimates. For the purposes of this
assessment, several fuel sources have been combined into a non-utility, non-renewable fuel
source category. These include bottled, take, or LP gas; fuel oil, kerosene, etc.; coal or coke;
wood; and other fuel. Some houses reported no fuel used; these are obviously the most
vulnerable households to extreme temperatures.Alleghany and Craig see the highest percentage
of non-utility fuel sources used.However,the Counties of Alleghany and Roanoke and the City of
Roanoke see high numbers of no fuel source reported,a concerning statistic especially in extreme
cold events. These populations are likely to need warming or cooling centers in an extreme
temperature wave.
As of January 2025, 389 people in the Roanoke Region were currently experiencing
homelessness according to the Blue Ridge Continuum of Care Point in Time report.This data is
only specifically collected in the Roanoke Valley.While homelessness likely exists in rural areas,
it is less extreme and less visible.One factor is that many homeless persons may migrate within
the region to find services,which are largely clustered in more urbanized areas.
Extreme temperature, especially extreme heat, potentially affects multiple assets, including
infrastructure and healthcare facilities, and further assessment of this hazard is needed. It is
notable that most of the key assets most impacted by extreme temperature, including the area
Level I Trauma Center Roanoke Memorial Hospital and the main headquarters of the Western
Virginia Water Authority,are located in the City of Roanoke.
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-16
Table 25:Vulnerable Populations by Age
Total Percent
Locality Total Population Under 5 65 and over Vulnerable Vulnerable
Allegheny County' 14,641 603 3,801 4,404 30%
BotetourtCounty 33,875 1,437 8,005 9,442 28%
Craig County 4,881 359 939 1,298 27%
Roanoke County 88,755 3,891 19,573 23,464 26%
Covington City 5,671 332 1,103 1,435 25%
Roanoke City 98,677 6,353 17,227 23,580 24%
Salem City 25,477 1,039 4,965 6,004 24%
Town of Clifton Forge 3,483 231 892 1,123 32%
Town of Vinton 8,008 431 1,531 1,962 25%
Table 26:Heating Fuel Source by Locality,ACS 5-year Estimates
Allegheny City of Botetourt Craig Roanoke City of City of
County Covington County County County Roanoke Salem
Electricity 4,110 1,378 8,791 1,131 18,842 21,155 4,047
1
Utility Gas 749 944 2,028 8 16,290 19,215 5,508
Solar
Energy - - 56 - 13 25 -
Non-
utility,
non-
renewable 1,394 163 2,195 604 3,993 2,914 558
No fuel
used 39 8 35 9 93 120 27
Total 1
Units
Assessed 6,292 2,493 13,105 1,752 39,231 43,429 10,140
Percent
Utility 77% 93% 83% 65% 90% 93% 94%
Percent
Non-
Utility 23°C 7% 17% 35% 10% 7% 6%
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-17
Hazard Ranking Table
Table 27:Hazard Ranking for Extreme Temperature
Hazard Ranking
Table: Extreme Temperatures
I Costs per Frequency of Local Vulnerability Overall
Locality ! Scale of Event Annum 1 Event Score Score i
Region-Wide Less than
Allegheny County Effects Medium Annual Medium Medium i
Region-Wide Less than
City of Covington Effects Low Annual Low Low
Town of Clifton Region-Wide Less than
Forge Effects Low Annual Medium Low
Region-Wide Less than
Town of Iron Gate Effects Low Annual Low Low
Region-Wide Less than
Craig County Effects Low Annual Low Low
Town of New Region-Wide Less than
Castle Effects Low Annual Low Low
Region-Wide Less than
Botetourt County Effects Medium Annual Low Medium
Town of Region-Wide Less than
Buchanan Effects Medium Annual Low Medium
Region-Wide Less than
Town of Fincastle Effects Medium Annual Low Medium
Region-Wide Less than
Town of Troutville Effects Medium Annual Low Medium
Region-Wide
Roanoke County Effects Medium Annual Medium Medium
Region-Wide
Town of Vinton Effects Medium Annual Medium Medium
Region-Wide
City of Roanoke Effects Medium Annual High High
Region-Wide
City of Salem Effects Low j Annual Medium Medium
Region-Wide
RVRA Effects Medium Medium Medium Medium
Region-Wide
WVWA Effects Medium Low Medium Medium
Region-Wide i
Regional Score Effects Medium I Annual Low Medium
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-18
Projected Local Vulnerability
One way to demonstrate specific local vulnerability is by looking at the number of repetitive loss
structures in the locality.Repetitive loss structures are defined as a structure that has had two or
more claims within any 10-year period since 1978 of more than$1,000 paid by the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP). Identifying repetitive loss structures is one of the ways to receive
points in the CRS program.
As a point-to-point comparison the most effective way to assess local vulnerability would be to
assess the percentage of structures that are repetitive loss structures within the locality.However,
for the purposes of this plan comparison will be made between real count of structures.
Maps of the estimated locations of repetitive loss structures are included in Appendix D.However,
these maps date from 2019, the last available data to the Commission, so the estimates below
are more accurate. In looking at Local Vulnerability for this hazard, towns are grouped with the
counties in which they are located in all cases,as more specific geographic data is not known.
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-22
Table 31:Repetitive Loss Structures by Locality,FEMA
Federal
NFIP Federal Mitigation
NFIP Serious Mitigation Assistance
Repetitive 1 Repetitive Assistance Serious
Loss Loss Repetitive Repetitive Primary
LocaUty Structures Structures Loss Loss Residences
ALLEGHANY COUNTY 27 r 0 1 0 13
Single Family Dwelling 22 0 1 0 12
Single Family Residential 1
Building 3 0 0 0
Non Residential Building 2 0 0 0 0
BOTETOURT COUNTY 28 6 1 6 5
Single Family Dwelling 19 3 1 3 5
Non Residential Building 8 2 0 2 0
Non Residential Building B 1 1 0 1 0
COVINGTON CITY 5 0 0 1 1
Single Family Dwelling 4 0 0 1 1
Non Residential Building 1 0 0 0 0
CRAIG COUNTY 6 0 0 1 3
Single Family Dwelling 4 0 0 1 3
Non Residential Building 2 0 0 0 0
ROANOKE CITY 85 11 2 16 32
Single Family Dwelling 47 4 2 5 26
2-4 Unit Residential Building 2 0 0 0 0
Residential Building More 0
than 4 Units 7 0 0 0
Non Residential Business 1 0 0 0 0
Single Family Residential
Building 6 0 0 0 6
Non Residential Building 22 7 0 11 0
ROANOKE COUNTY 41 3 1 5 32
Single Family Dwelling 29 1 1 3 23
Residential Building More
than 4 Units 1 0 0 0 0
Single Family Residential
Building
9 1 0 1 9
Non Residential Building 1 1 0 1 0
Non Residential Building B 1 0 0 0 0
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-23
Federal
NFIP Federal Mitigation
NFIP Serious Mitigation Assistance
Repetitive Repetitive Assistance Serious
Loss Loss Repetitive Repetitive Primary
LocaUty Structures Structures Loss Loss Residences
SALEM CITY 90 29 5 35 50
Single Family Dwelling 56 I 9 4 15 41
2-4 Unit Residential Building 5 1 0 1 1
Residential Building More
than 4 Units 12 12 0 12 0
Non Residential Business 2 2 0 2 0
Single Family Residential
Building 8 4 1 4 7
Residential Manufactured
Home 1 0 0 0 1
Non Residential Building 6 1 0 1 0
Grand Total 282 i0 64 136
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-24
Hazard Ranking Table
Table 32:Hazard Ranking Table for Flooding
Hazard Ranking
Table: Flooding
Local
Costs per Frequency of Vulnerability Overall
Locality Scale of Event 1 Annum Event Score Score
Alleghany Region-Wide Multiple Times
County Effects High per Year Medium High
City of Region-Wide i
Covington Effects High Less than Annual I Low Medium
Town of Clifton Region-Wide Multiple Times
Forge Effects High per Year Medium High
Town of Iron Region-Wide Multiple Times
Gate Effects High per Year Medium High
Region-Wide
Craig County Effects Medium Less than Annual Low Medium
Town of New Region-Wide
Castle Effects Medium Less than Annual Low Medium
Botetourt Region-Wide Multiple Times
County Effects High per Year Medium High
Town of Region-Wide Multiple Times
Buchanan Effects High per Year Medium High
Town of Region-Wide Multiple Times
Fincastle Effects High per Year Medium High
Town of Region-Wide Multiple Times
Troutville Effects High per Year Medium High
Region-Wide Multiple Times
Roanoke County Effects Medium per Year Medium High
Region-Wide Multiple Times
Town of Vinton Effects Medium per Year Medium High
Region-Wide Multiple Times
City of Roanoke Effects Medium per Year High High
Region-Wide
City of Salem Effects Medium Annual High High
Region-Wide Multiple Times
RVRA Effects Medium per Year Medium High
Region-Wide Multiple Times
VVVWA Effects Medium per Year Medium High
Region-Wide Multiple Times
Regional Score Effects High per Year Medium High
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page I 4-25
4.5 Geologic Hazards
For the purposes of this assessment, landslide and karst have been grouped under geologic
hazards.Both of these hazards include often localized sudden ground movement.
Landslide is most common in areas with high slopes,which includes much of the planning region.
In Chapter 3,only one historic landslide of note was recorded in the past five years.However,the
region has many characteristics which make landslides a hazard of concern.
Karst is a hazard unique to particular geologies.As such it is difficult to find national resources for
assessing this hazard. Data in this section comes from the Virginia Department of Energy,
Department of Conservation and Recreation,and Department of Emergency Management.
The major risk for karst areas is the development of sinkholes that directly or indirectly affect
critical infrastructure. The Virginia Department of Energy began mapping karst via KarstView
along the 1-81 corridor following several sinkhole events that directly affected this interstate..18
However, this mapping is somewhat opaque in terms of capturing likelihood of a sinkhole or
potential costs.
The second impact from karst is pollution of groundwater. In the planning region, groundwater
remains a major source of water supply for several localities,including the Western Virginia Water
Authority service area and the Alleghany Highlands.A full list of known wells is included in the
Critical Facilities Inventory in Appendix F.This hazard impact is not fully explored in this plan.
Both of these hazards show a relationship with high rain events.
Projected Scale of Event
Sinkhole events are highly localized events, usually affecting a specific facility or lot. Most
landslide events are also localized,some impacting as little as one parcel.In extreme conditions,
such as Hurricane Helene in Asheville,multiple landslides may occur.Sometimes landslides can
build upon one another as was the case in Nelson and Albemarle Counties.
Case Study: Past Landslides in Nelson and Albemarle Counties
Nelson and Albemarle Counties share similar topographic characteristics to the region. In August
1969, an extreme rainfall event instigated by Hurricane Camille caused over 7,800 landslides,
which created approximately 2,000 acres worth of impact. One hundred and twenty-five people
died in Nelson County alone from impacts of this storm system, which included flooding and
landslide impacts..19 This was a similar event to Hurricane Helene,which struck western North
Carolina and Southwest Virginia in September of 2024.
Geology and Mineral Resources,an office of the Virginia Department of Energy,received funding
through VDEM and FEMA in 2017 and 2020 to complete a landslide hazard mapping study for
Nelson and Albemarle Counties.This kind of local study can have greater accuracy than national
models.The events in 1969 and in 2024 highlight the importance of having good information to
plan emergency response to this hazard. Working with Geology and Mineral Resources is the
best path forward for specific and nuanced geologic hazards studies in the region.
'B(Virginia Department of Energy,n.d.)
W(Landslide Hazard Mapping,n.d.)
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-26
Projected Costs of Event
Costs of sinkholes can range depending on the location of the sinkhole. A sinkhole directly
affecting a major roadway is probably one of the most costly events. Costs come from direct
damage to infrastructure at inception and then include stabilization efforts for the sinkholes once
established.The largest of the three sinkholes which affected 1-81 in Augusta County cost over
$100,000 to repair. It measured 20 feet by 11 feet and 22 feet deep..2°
Many sinkholes open up in fields and other open spaces,and therefore have limited and localized
costs,if any.
Expected annual loss for landslide is available in the National Risk Index.Costs are generally low,
but it is important to note that the cost of landslides varies widely depending on location.Because
this is such a localized event, impacts can be quite targeted. The landslide recorded in 2021
included$25,000 in damages from a single building.Widespread events in more populated areas
could quickly accrue costs.
Table 33:Expected Annual Loss,NRl
Expected Annual
Locality Loss Exposure Value
Allegheny
County $46,739 $140,941,17i,976
City of
Covington $21,900 $48,638,641,691
Botetourt
County $37,168 $226,916,016,449
Craig County $21,900 $38,621,453,915
Roanoke County $333,796 $653,035,1:::,326
City of Roanoke $122,400 $679,915,744,515
City of Salem $21,900 $198,922,958,937
Projected Frequency of Event
There is no good data on the frequency of sinkholes for each separate jurisdiction.The closest
comparison may be to the expected annual frequency of landslides in the area, which, despite
the increased susceptibility to landslides shown in the topographic data,is relatively low.
The National Risk Index measures projected landslide frequency based off of the number of
landslides recorded over a twelve-year period between 2010 and 2021.All of the localities in the
region showed a projected frequency of zero landslides per year,despite some localities having
events on record during that time period.The landslide noted in Chapter 3 was not captured in
this dataset.
2°(Virginia Department of Emergency Management,2023)
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-27
Table 34:Events on Record 2010-2021,NRI
Locality Events on Record(2010-2021)
Allegheny County 1
City of Covington 0
Botetourt County 1
Craig County 0
Roanoke County 5
City of Roanoke 0
City of Salem 0
Despite the NRI data, the USGS Landslide Susceptibility model shows strong landslide
vulnerability in the area. Darker red indicates increased vulnerability to landslides. Steep slopes
mean that most of the region is vulnerable to landslides in the right conditions,though notably the
more populated areas show less vulnerability.
Projected Local Vulnerability
Local vulnerability to karst is poorly understood — it is unknown what factors may make a
jurisdiction more or less vulnerable to karst.One potential factor for consideration is the number
of households using unmonitored groundwater wells — this could show a locality specific
vulnerability to this particular hazard.Alternatively,karst may be more prevalent in climates where
long dry spells are followed by periods of intense rain. Further assessment is needed to
understand the unique factors that predispose jurisdictions to karst damage.
A small portion of the planning region is located inside of a USGS recognized sinkhole hotspot,
mostly in Craig and northern Roanoke Counties. Less populous portions of Alleghany and
Botetourt Counties may also be at risk.A full definition of a sinkhole hotspot is not readily available
on the USGS website. Studies done in the Commonwealth are largely completed on a case-by-
case basis by state agencies, including VDCR, VDOT, and the Virginia Department of Energy.
Thus,while it is known that some risk around sinkholes exists in the planning region,there is no
definitive data across the whole region that can be used to address local vulnerability.
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page I 4-28
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Figure 26:USGS Sinkhole Hotspots,Accessed 2025
Landslides are also difficult to quantify.During Hurricane Helene,one of the complicating factors
experienced by neighboring communities in North Carolina and far Southwest Virginia was
landslides caused by extreme rain.The Virginia Department of Energy recommends identifying
areas prone to future landslide hazards in order to target evacuation orders during severe
rainstorm events,defined as greater than 5 inches in 24 hours.The NOAA Atlas shows projected
rainfall event frequency. Rainfall data for the City of Covington, Craig County, and the City of
Roanoke show that 5 inches in 24 hours is more or less a 25-year storm in Covington and Craig,
but closer to a 10-year storm in the City of Roanoke.A framework based on rainfall frequency
could be a way to further assess potential landslide risk in future updates of this plan.
Mapping of Critical and Vulnerable Facilities against the USGS Landslide Susceptibility Model
shows that many facilities are endangered by landslides in the region.The Regional Commission
classifies critical and vulnerable facilities as having higher-than-average susceptibility when over
half of the area within each 90-m grid cell is susceptible to landslides. Using this methodology,a
total of 91 critical facilities and 42 vulnerable facilities were in an above average risk area.Future
projections around this hazard should take into account more advanced analysis of vulnerability
to landslides via GIS manipulation and analysis of rainfall probability as a major determinant of
likelihood of landslides.
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-29
L
Regional Critical Facilities and Landslide Vulnerability
BATH COUNTY
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Figure 27:Regional Critical Facilities in Above-Average Landslide Susceptible Areas.
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-30
Regional Vulnerable Facilities and Landslide Vulnerability Mll�ro '
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Figure 28:Regional Vulnerable Facilities in Above-Average Landslide Susceptible Areas
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-31
.Regional Landslide Vulnerability
VIM
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lehany County r��
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Figure 29:Landslide Susceptibility Model in the Region
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-32
Table 35:Critical Facilities in Above-Average Landslide Susceptible Areas by Location
Critical Facilities in
Above-Average Landslide
Locality Susceptible Areas
Alleghany County 17
Bath County 1
Bedford County 2
Botetourt County 5
Craig County 1
Franklin County 4
Roanoke County 17
City of Covington 1
City of Roanoke 12
City of Salem 5
Town of Vinton 8
Town of Troutville 2
Town of New Castle 1
Town of Fincastle 3
Town of Clifton Forge 7
Town of Buchanan 4
Town of Iron Gate 1
Table 36:Vulnerable Facilities in Above-Average Landslide Susceptible Areas by Location
Vulnerable Facilities In
Above-Average Landslide
Locality Susceptible Areas
Craig County 3
Roanoke County 1
City of Roanoke 18
City of Salem 9
Town of Vinton 5
Town of Troutville 1
Town of New Castle 1
Town of Fincastle 1
Town of Clifton Forge 2
Town of Buchanan 1
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-33
Hazard Ranking Table
Table 37:Hazard Ranking for Geologic Hazards
Hazard Ranking Geologic
Table: Hazards
Scale of Costs per Frequency of Local Vulnerability Overall
Locality Event Annum Event Score Score
Less than
Alteghany County Local Effects High Annual High Medium
Less than
City of Covington Local Effects Low Annual Low Low
Town of Clifton Less than
Forge Local Effects Low Annual Low Low
Less than
Town of Iron Gate Local Effects Low Annual Low Low
Less than
Craig County Local Effects Low Annual High Low
Town of New Less than
Castle Local Effects Low Annual Medium Low
Less than
Botetourt County Local Effects Low Annual Medium Low
Town of Less than
Buchanan Local Effects Low Annual Low Low
Less than
Town of Fincastle Local Effects Low Annual Low Low
Less than
Town of Troutville Local Effects Low Annual Low Low
Less than
Roanoke County Local Effects Medium Annual High Medium
Less than
Town of Vinton Local Effects Low Annual Medium Low
Less than
City of Roanoke Local Effects Low Annual High Low
Less than
City of Salem Local Effects Low Annual Low Low
Less than
RVRA Local Effects Low Annual High Low
Less than
WVWA Local Effects Low Annual Low Low
Less than
Regional Score Local Effects Low Annual Low Low
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-34
4.6 Wildfire
Wildfire risk analysis benefits from some of the most robust data available. Data in this section
comes from the National Risk Index to establish easy points of comparison for risk ranking,and
from the Southern Wildfire Risk Assessment tool. Assistance was provided by VDOF staff in
gathering the data for this section. The entire regional report for wildfire risk is available in
Appendix E:Wildfire Reports.
Projected Scale of Event
The VDOF and the Southern Wildfire Risk Assessment tool provides a Characteristic Fire Intensity
Scale, which uses data on significant fuel hazards, wind, and weather conditions in a WildEST
framework to provide a standard scale to measure potential wildfire intensity.
Class 1, Very Low:
Very small,discontinuous flames,usually less than 1 foot in length;very low rate of spread;no
spotting. Fires are typically easy to suppress by firefighters with basic training and non-
specialized equipment.
Class 2, Low:
Small flames,usually less than two feet long;small amount of very short range spotting possible.
Fires are easy to suppress by trained firefighters with protective equipment and specialized
tools.
Class 3, Moderate:
Flames up to 9 feet in length;short-range spotting is possible.Trained firefighters will find these
fires difficult to suppress without support from aircraft or engines,but dozer and plows are
generally effective. Increasing potential for harm or damage to life and property.
Class 4, High:
Large Flames,up to 40 feet in length;short-range spotting common;medium range spotting
possible. Direct attack by trained firefighters, engines, and dozers is generally ineffective,
indirect attack may be effective.Significant potential for harm or damage to life and property.
Class 5, Very High:
Flames exceeding 200 feet in length;expect extreme fire behavior
Figure 30:Characteristic Fire Intensity Scale,VOOF
This evaluation varies by locality. Data is available for Clifton Forge in this model.
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-35
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Expected Annual Loss and Exposure Value are not particularly high for this hazard. However,
some context is missing from the NRI data.
Table 39:Expected Annual Loss for Wildfire National Risk Index
Expected Annual
Locality Loss Exposure Value
Allegheny
County $2,536 $3,900,729,935
City of
Covington $194 $1,969,158,111
Botetourt
County $8,737 $10,057,952,335
Craig County $784 $1,237,584,666
Roanoke County $4,347 $62,863,692,940
City of Roanoke $3,671 $62,717,344,368
City of Salem $1,285 $17,697,712,831
Roanoke County Fire&Rescue(RCFRD)has demonstrated a substantial financial commitment
to wildland fire protection, ensuring the community is safeguarded against the growing risks of
brush and wildland-urban interface fires. The County's Wildland Fire Team responds to
approximately 80 calls for service annually, deploying 33 specially trained personnel in wildland
fire suppression. This capability is supported by a dedicated fleet of eight brush trucks, one
Wildland Fire Engine,and one deployable trailer equipped with specialized resources. In addition
to serving local needs,Roanoke County maintains a Memorandum of Understanding(MOU)with
the Federal Forestry Department, enabling the department to provide mutual aid on federal
property within the County and to deploy trained personnel and assets to assist in wildfire
suppression efforts in other states.This dual capability reflects both a strong local investment and
a regional commitment to public safety,resource protection,and interagency cooperation.
Projected Frequency of Event
The NRI Annualized Frequency Value for this hazard is low throughout the planning region. It is
important to note that while wildfires do occur frequently in the planning region, the majority of
fires are small,with negligible risk and impact.The threshold for a major fire cited in Chapter 3 is
100 acres. One major fire has occurred in Roanoke County in the past five years,which implies
a 20 percent chance of a major fire in a given five-year period. More data is needed to assess,
but the frequency value for Roanoke County's assessment was adjusted up in the risk
assessment.
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-37
Table 40:Annualized Frequency Value for Wildfire,NM
Locality Annualized Frequency Value(%)
Alleghany County 0.027
City of Covington 0.001
Botetourt County 0.047
Craig County 0.008
Roanoke County 0.002
City of Roanoke 0.001
City of Salem 0.001
Projected Local Vulnerability
Housing Unit Risk represents the relative potential risk to housing units. This allows for an
estimate of how many housing units are at a high risk of wildfire damage.The Housing Unit Risk
Category is defined by four qualities:likelihood,intensity,susceptibility,and exposure.A raster at
30-m resolution was used in this methodology, with full details provided in Jaffe et al., 2024..21
Values moved from 0 (no damage to structure)to -100 (complete loss). This metric is used to
estimate the acreage at a risk category of 4 to 6 within each of the available localities for,and that
percentage value is ranked as high, medium, or low in the vulnerability table. Category 6 would
be a total loss of structure,whereas category 4 would be a 50 percent loss of structure.
Data for towns was unavailable from this data source with the exception of Clifton Forge,which
has reverted in status from a city to a town.Towns share the ranking of the county in which they
are located.
Another factor that may affect local vulnerability is the percentage of federal forest land and the
topography. Rural areas of Roanoke County, Craig County, and Alleghany County are federally
managed. Events on federally managed lands may not reflect accurately in historical event
databases or in models generated by state agencies due to issues with jurisdiction, meaning
actual vulnerability may be higher for these localities. Local vulnerability has been adjusted to
account for that factor.
2'(Jaffe,et al.,2024)
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page I 4-38
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Hazard Ranking Table
Table 42:Hazard Ranking Table for Wildfire
Hazard Ranking
Table: Wildfire
Local
Costs per Frequency of Vulnerability Overall
Locality Scale of Event Annum Event Score Score
Allegheny Jurisdiction-Wide Less than
County Effects Low Annual High Medium
City of Jurisdiction-Wide Less than
Covington Effects Low Annual Medium Low
Town of Clifton Jurisdiction-Wide Less than
Forge Effects Low Annual High Medium
Town of Iron Jurisdiction-Wide Less than
Gate Effects Low Annual High Medium
Jurisdiction-Wide Less than
Craig County Effects Low Annual Medium Low
Town of New Jurisdiction-Wide Less than
Castle Effects Low Annual Medium Low
Botetourt Jurisdiction-Wide Less than
County Effects Low Annual Medium Low
Town of Jurisdiction-Wide Less than
Buchanan Effects Low Annual Medium Low
Town of Jurisdiction-Wide Less than
Fincastle Effects Low Annual Medium Low
Town of Jurisdiction-Wide Less than
Troutville Effects Low Annual Medium Low
Jurisdiction-Wide
Roanoke County Effects High Annual High High
Jurisdiction-Wide Less than
Town of Vinton Effects Low Annual Medium Low
Less than
City of Roanoke Local Effects Low Annual Medium Low
Less than
City of Salem Local Effects Low Annual Medium Low
Jurisdiction-Wide Less than
RVRA Effects Low Annual Medium Low
Jurisdiction-Wide Less than
WVWA Effects Low Annual Medium Low
Jurisdiction-Wide Less than
Regional Score Effects Low Annual Medium Low
Chapter 4:Risk Assessment Page 14-40
Chapter 5.Capabilities Assessment
5.1 Capability Assessment Framework
While Chapter 2: Regional Profile contains a general picture of the region,including of the local
jurisdictions served by this document, this chapter will build on that baseline information. The
following sections contain a more detailed analysis of the capacity of each of the jurisdictions in
this planning effort.
Each section will include the following elements:
• A general assessment of budget and resources,including staffing.
• A list of plans the jurisdiction has or maintains, when they were last updated if that
information is available,and which of these plans address hazards.
• A list of ordinances and policy mechanisms which can be used to assist with
implementation of the Hazard Mitigation Plan,and any barriers that may exist to their use.
• Additional NFIP compliance documentation.
• Documentation of dam safety activities and concerns.
• Other factors that may help with mitigation efforts.
Plans and documents previously discussed in Chapter 3: Hazard Identification to meet the
goals of the CRS program are marked with an asterisk. Responses to worksheets provided by
the localities, which contain more in-depth information about their capabilities and their NFIP
programs,are included in Appendix G:Jurisdiction Capability Assessment Surveys.
The table below explores one of the best points of comparison between the localities in the region
by showing overall revenues and revenues per capita.This clearly illustrates capacity to operate
key government services,including mitigation services and disaster response.Data in this chapter
comes from a variety of sources. Where possible, data is provided by the Auditor of Public
Accounts to the Commonwealth of Virginia. This data reflects real budgets in the years 2024 if
available and 2023 if 2024 data was not available. Where neither dataset is available, 2025 or
2026 adopted budgets have been referenced. These budgets are adopted based off of best
available information regarding revenues and expenses.
In Section 4.3:Extreme Temperature,the NRI Social Vulnerability Index for larger localities within
the region was examined.The City of Roanoke was the only locality which ranked Very High in
terms of social vulnerability.All other localities ranked Relatively Low or Very Low.
Population numbers may vary in this chapter.These were taken from two separate sources,one
provided by the Commonwealth's Auditor of Public Accounts,one provided by the CEDS.Sources
are noted as appropriate.
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-1
Table 49:Comparison of Revenue Across RVARC Member Local Governments
Mr1111.11111 Population Total Revenue rEMMTI202111
Allegheny County* 14,898 $81,004,953.00 $5,437.30
City of Covington 5,567 $32,225,593.00 $5,788.68
Town of Clifton Forge** 3,483 $5,613,161.00 $1,611.59
Botetourt County 33,466 $139,116,476.00 $4,156.95
Craig County 4,855 $18,953,496.00 $3,903.91
Roanoke County 96,519 441,121,263.00 $4,570.30
City of Roanoke* 99,634 $603,957,800.00 $6,061.76
City of Salem 24,985 $164,155,327.00 $6,570.16
Town of Vinton** 8,038 $15,756,600.00 $1,960.26
*Data comes from the 2023 Comparative Report
**Data comes from the website or adopted budget
'Data comes from the 2023 and 2024 Comparative Report where available.Where unavailable data
comes from the 2025 CEDS.
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Pagel 5-2
5.2 Alleghany County
Alleghany County is the northernmost county in the service area, characterized by largely rural
development patterns.Approximately half of the locality is federal forest land, and state-owned
lands are also present.The population of the County was 11,479 in 2023 excluding the Town of
Clifton Forge and is projected to be 13,993 in 2030.The median age is high for the region,at 48.1
years.Median household income is low at$52,546.One small rural hospital provides the majority
of medical emergency capacity for the locality.
Budget and Staffing Characteristics
The Comparative Report of Local Government Revenues and Expenditures shows the following
general information about Alleghany County's real budget for the year 2023.Alleghany County
staffs a Chief Building Official and an Emergency Manager.The Zoning Administrator serves as
a combined Community Planner,Floodplain Manager,and GIS coordinator.
Federal share of revenue in the 2023 budget was over 14 percent. Revenue from the
Commonwealth was close to 50 percent, showing a significantly high vulnerability to outside
funding sources.
Table 50:Alleghany County Budget 2023,Commonwealth of Virginia
Alleghany County Budget 2023
Population 14,898
Local Revenue $ 29,205,904.00
Per Capita $ 1,960.39
Percent of Revenue 36.05%
From the Commonwealth $ 40,281,474.00
Per Capita S 2.7G3.82
Percent of Revenue 49.73%
Federal Pass-thru $ 10,729,017.00
Per Capita $ 720.16
Percent of Revenue 13 24%
Direct Federal Aid $ 788,558.00
Per Capita $ 52.93
Percent of Revenue 0.97%
Total Federal Vulnerability $ 11,517,575.00
Percent of Revenue 14.22%
Total Revenue $ 81,004,953.00
Non-Revenue Receipts $ 77,240.00
Transfers from Other Funds -
Total Sources Available $ 81,082,193.00
Plans and Planning Schedules
Alleghany County currently has two plans in place which specifically address hazard mitigation.
These are the Comprehensive Plan, currently being updated and last updated in 2019,and the
Emergency Operations Plan, the new version of which is expected to be adopted in November
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2025.Additional plans in place which could incorporate hazard mitigation in the future include the
Capital Improvement Plan.
Ordinances and Policy Mechanisms
Alleghany County maintains a County code,several sections of which provide some opportunity
for hazard mitigation. Large amendments to the code are possible but may be constrained by
funding and staff capacity.
Chapter 30 of the County Code contains Erosion and Sediment Control regulations. These
provisions mirror Code of Virginia, § 10.1-563(C). Chapter 34—Fire Prevention and Protection
adopts pertinent sections of the Code of Virginia,§27-1 et seq.to do with fire management,and
additionally describes rules around the sale,possession,and use of fireworks.Chapter 47 of the
Code addresses Public Safety.
Chapter 52 of the County Code contains the Stormwater Ordinance. This was last adopted in
2014. It integrates the County's stormwater management requirements with its erosion and
sediment control, flood insurance, and floodplain management requirements into a unified
stormwater program.This facilitates the submission and approval of plans, issuance of permits,
payment of fees,and coordination of inspection and enforcement activities in a more convenient
and efficient manner.
Alleghany County adopted its most recent Floodplain District in December 17,2010 that requires
new residential buildings to be elevated to or above the base flood elevation.The floodplain district
is an overlay that applies to all other zoning districts. Additional requirements prevent the
obstruction of the floodway. In addition to Federal Regulations, the County has established
guidelines for development within flood hazard areas.They can be found in Chapter 66-Zoning,
of the Code of the County of Alleghany, Virginia. No construction or development, including fill,
can be done in a designated floodway. Development can occur in the 100-year floodplain,
however the first-floor elevation of a structure must be at least one foot above the designated
flood elevations shown on the Flood Insurance Rate Maps . Also, structures in the 100-year
floodplain must be in compliance with building code requirements for structures in flood hazard
areas. Development can occur in the 500-year floodplain with compliance of building code
requirements for structures in flood hazard areas.
Chapter 66-Zoning Ordinance,contains,among other things,the established flood hazard areas
and guidelines for development therein.Chapter 66 and Chapter 54-Subdivision Ordinance both
contain key regulatory authority over land use in the county.
One factor in all localities,including Alleghany, is that many structures may have been built prior
to the adoption of these ordinances. Pre-existing structures built in flood prone areas are often
only mitigated directly if mitigation is triggered by improvements on the property.
NFIP Compliance
Community Development is the responsible department for NFIP compliance in Alleghany County.
The NFIP coordinator is not a Certified Floodplain Manager. NFIP services include permit review,
inspections,review of floodplain mapping for zoning and rezoning,and a GIS layer;however,staff
capacity is a barrier to running an effective NFIP program.Alleghany County entered the NFIP in
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-4
1987.The Indian Draft community within the County is vulnerable to flooding but has limited NFIP
policy coverage.The total amount of paid claims in the community is$2,867,632 for 172 claims.
Dam Safety
There are four dams in Alleghany County. These are the Clifton Forge Dam (owned and
maintained by the Town of Clifton Forge), Gathright Dam (owned and maintained by US Army
Corps of Engineers),Pond Lick Branch Dam(privately owned)and WestRock#2 Flyash Lagoon
Dam (owned and maintained by WestRock).Alleghany County staff review plans annually with
Smurfit WestRock, US ACE,and DCR.The County participated in an exercise with the US ACE
on October 2,2025.
Town of Iron Gate
The Town of Iron Gate is a small town on the border of Alleghany and Botetourt Counties,which
shares a strong cultural identity with the Alleghany Highlands. The Town engages in water and
sewer service provision. They are not an active jurisdiction in this plan but participate through
Alleghany County. The Town Code deals mainly with solid waste management and water and
sewer service provision.
The Town of Iron Gate has very limited capacity for mitigation,but some utility lines and structures
may be vulnerable to hazards. The Town adopted Alleghany County's floodplain ordinance to
maintain good standing with NFIP.The Town's effective FIRM date is December 17,2010.
Other Factors
The County has also entered into a number of mutual aid agreements in relation to Statewide Aid
for Emergency Management, radio communications with neighboring localities and fire and
rescue departments, and emergency services. They commonly collaborate with Covington and
Clifton Forge,and also with Bath County outside the region.Alleghany County provides support
for floodplain management in the Town of Iron Gate.
Alleghany County does maintain a Planning Commission and is a member government of the
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission.
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-5
5.3 City of Covington
The City of Covington is a small city located in the Allegheny Highlands.The City shares strong
cultural connections and some infrastructure with Allegheny County and the Town of Clifton Forge.
Population in the City of Covington was 5,671 in 2023 and is expected to fall to 5,434 in 2030.
The median age is 41.5. Median household income is low at$45,737.The City provides water
and sewer to residents.
Budget and Staffing Characteristics
The statewide Comparative Report of Local Government Revenues and Expenditures shows the
following general information about the City of Covington's real budget for the year 2024.The City
of Covington has a small staff.The Director of Development Services serves as a Building Official,
Community Planner,and Zoning Administrator.The Director of Public Safety also serves as Chief
of Police and primary Emergency Management response. Covington is a small locality, whose
employees generally wear many hats.
Funding is a large barrier to the City in expending mitigation efforts.Hazard mitigation grants were
uplifted as a main source of funding for mitigation activities. Additional funding sources for
mitigation activities include CIP allocations, utility fees, a stormwater utility fee, and other state
funding programs. Federal funding, either direct funding or pass-through from the state
government,is about 13 percent of the City's revenue.
Table 51:City of Covington Budget 2024
City of Covington Budget 2024
Population 5,567
Local Revenue $ 21,666,135.00
Per Capita $ 3,891.89
Percent of Revenue 67.23%
From the Commonwealth $ 6,405,092.00
Per Capita $ 1,150.55
Percent of Revenue 19.88%
Federal Pass-thru $ 1,170,444.00
Per Capita $ 210.25
Percent of Revenue 3.63%
Direct Federal Aid $ 2,983,922.00
Per Capita $ 536.00
Percent of Revenue 9.26%
Total Federal Vulnerability $ 4,154,366.00
Percent of Revenue 12.89%
Total Revenue $ 32,225,593.00
Non-Revenue Receipts $ 2,233,967.00
Transfers from Other Funds
Total Sources Available $ 34,459,560.00
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-6
Plans and Planning Schedules
The City of Covington maintains a Capital Improvements Plan, a Continuity of Operations and
Local Emergency Operations Plan, a Stormwater Management Plan and an Economic
Development Plan.
The Emergency Operations Plan was updated in November 2023.The Stormwater Management
Plan was updated in March 2025.A Resilience Plan is in development which will directly affect
flooding and flood response in the City.
Ordinances and Policy Mechanisms
Chapter 18 — Environment of the City Code addresses Erosion and Sediment Control in
compliance with Code of Virginia§ 10.1-560 et seq.
Chapter 19—Stormwater Management,adopted pursuant to Code of Virginia,§62.1-44.15:24 et
seq.,addresses specific stormwater management regulations.
Chapter 20— Fire Prevention and Protection; Emergency Medical Services designates the city
fire department and emergency medical services departments as integral to the safety program
of the city and additionally establishes open-air fire restrictions and regulations.
Appendix A addresses Subdivision regulations and Appendix B addresses Zoning.Article XIII-A
of Appendix B specifically establishes Floodplain Districts for the City,adopting the FIRM provided
by FEMA(effective date of December 17,2010).
NFIP Compliance
The NFIP program within the City of Covington is maintained by Development Services. The
Development Services Director is the primary NFIP administrator. He was formerly certified, but
his certification has lapsed. The Development Services Director also serves as the building
administrator and zoning administrator,as discussed earlier in this section.Besides staff capacity,
one of the barriers to running an effective NFIP program within this jurisdiction is community
interest.
The City of Covington entered the NFIP in 1979.Since that time they have paid out 179 claims at
$1,904,162.There are five known repetitive or severe repetitive loss structures in the community.
Dam Safety
There are three dams in that could impact the City of Covington. These are the Gathright Dam
(owned and maintained by US Army Corps of Engineers), Pond Lick Branch Dam (privately
owned) and Mead Westvaco #2 Fly Ash Lagoon Dam (owned and maintained by Mead
Westvaco). These dams are not located within the City boundary and so do not fall under the
City's jurisdiction.
Other Factors
The City of Covington engages in mutual aid agreements and joint planning and service provision
efforts with Alleghany County.The City utilizes open source precipitation and water level gauges
through water.gov,as well as a staff gauge posted at the Main St.Park.
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-7
The City does maintain a Planning Commission and is a member government of the Roanoke
Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission.
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5.4 Town of Clifton Forge
The Town of Clifton Forge,formerly the City of Clifton Forge, is an incorporated town within the
boundaries of Alleghany County. The population of the Town was 3,483 in 2023. Population
projections are not available in the data collected for this plan.The median age is the highest in
data available for the planning region at 53.5 years. No separate median household income is
available.The Town engages in utility service provision of water and sewer.
Budget and Staffing Characteristics
No budget information was available in the statewide Comparative Report. However, the
approved 2025 budget provides some context for Clifton Forge's revenues and resources.
Numbers provided may lack some of the nuance available in the state audit document.
Clifton Forge staffs a Community Planner and an Emergency Manager. The current floodplain
administrator is the Director of Community Development.
Table 52:Adopted Budget Town of Clifton Forge 2025
Town of Clifton Forge Budget 2025 Projected
Population 3,483
Local Revenue $ 2,672,548.00
Per Capita $ 767.31
Percent of Revenue 47.61%
From the Commonwealth $ 2,340,613.00
Per Capita $ 672.01
Percent of Revenue 41.70%
Direct Federal Aid $ 600,000.00
Per Capita $ 172.27
Percent of Revenue 10.69,?%
Total Revenue $ 5,613,161.00
Plans and Planning Schedules
Clifton Forge maintains a Comprehensive Plan, a Land Use Plan, and a Local Emergency
Operations Plan.The Emergency Operations Plan is the most relevant to hazard mitigation,and
was last updated in 2023.
Ordinances and Policy Mechanisms
Chapter 50 — Fire Prevention and Protection establishes rules around open burning and the
acquisition and use of explosives and fireworks.
Appendix A—Subdivision Ordinance and Appendix B- Zoning contain information guiding new
development in the town. Article 5 of Appendix B, Floodplain Overlay District, formally adopts
floodplain regulations and the FIRM(effective date of December 17,2010).
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-9
NFIP Compliance
An NFIP worksheet was not developed for the Town,so further details of the NFIP program could
not be provided.
Dam Safety
There are three dams in that could impact the Town of Clifton Forge.These are the Smith Creek
Dam, Gathright Dam,and Douthat Lake Dam.The Smith Creek dam,along with the associated
Smith Creek Reservoir is owned and maintained by the Town of Clifton Forge and serves as the
water supply for the Town of Clifton Forge, portions of Alleghany County, and the Town of Iron
Gate.The Town of Clifton Forge is responsible for the maintenance of the Smith Creek Dam.After
the dam was transferred to the Town,repairs were made and completed in early 2021.The dam
and reservoir are routinely maintained and inspected by water plant staff as well as being
inspected annually per dam safety regulations enforced by DCR.The other two dams are outside
of the town boundary and fall within the geography of Alleghany County.
Other Factors
The Town of Clifton Forge engages in collective operations with Alleghany County and Covington
regarding regional branding,tourism,and economic development.The Town also provides water
to portions of Alleghany County.
The Town does maintain a planning commission and is a member government of the Roanoke
Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission.
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-10
5.5 Botetourt County
Botetourt County has been one of the fastest growing localities in the region over the last decade.
The southern half of the locality has experienced significant development pressure in this time.
The northern half of the locality is still largely rural, with strong cultural ties to the Allegheny
Highlands.The population in 2023 was 33,875 and is projected to fall to 33,556 by 2030.Median
age is 48.1 and median household income is the second highest in the region at $77,680.
Botetourt County does not maintain an MS4 permit. Utility service provision for water and sewer
is handled by the Western Virginia Water Authority or private community providers.
Budget and Staffing Characteristics
State data is available regarding Botetourt's revenue in 2024. Botetourt is one of the least
vulnerable to federal funding fluctuations, with only a little under 11 percent of revenue from
federal sources.The majority of Botetourt's revenue is generated locally,at 54.5 percent.
Botetourt staffs a Certified Building Official, Community Planner, Emergency Manager, and
Floodplain Administrator. The Community Development Department contains multiple staff
positions,including several planners,building inspectors,a code enforcement officer,a combined
Erosion and Sediment Control and Stormwater Management Inspector and a separate
Administrator, and others. Botetourt's emergency management response is supplemented by a
robust volunteer fire and EMS organization.
Table 53:Botetourt County Budget,2024
Botetourt County Budget 2024
Population 33,466
Local Revenue $ 75,818,720.00
Per Capita $ 2,265.54
Percent of Revenue 54.50%
From the Commonwealth $ 48,166,729.00
Per Capita $ 1,439.27
Percent of Revenue 34.62%
Federal Pass-thru $ 10,085,282.00
Per Capita $ 301.36
Percent of Revenue 7.25%-s
Direct Federal Aid $ 5,045,745.00
Per Capita $ 150.77
Percent of Revenue 3.63%
Total Federal Vulnerability $ 15,131,027.00
Percent of Revenue 10.88%
Total Revenue $ 139,116,476.00
Non-Revenue Receipts
Transfers from Other Funds
Total Sources Available $139,116,476.00
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-11
Plans and Planning Schedules
Botetourt maintains a Capital Improvements Plan and a Comprehensive Plan.A Local Emergency
Operations Plan directly addresses hazards and was last updated in 2017.
Ordinances and Policy Mechanisms
Multiple sections of Botetourt's code may affect mitigation activities and disaster response.
Chapter 8.5—Drainage and Flood Control creates rules for impounding structures that control
runoff on a site.
Chapter 10—Erosion and Sediment Control;Stormwater Management allows for local compliance
with the Erosion and Sediment Control Law of the Code of Virginia.The County adopted its most
current E&S ordinance in 2024.The towns of Buchanan, Fincastle and Troutville utilize Botetourt
County's E&S staff for erosion and sediment control monitoring.
Chapter 11—Fire Prevention and Protection addresses the coordinated fire and EMS system and
brush burning.
Chapter 21 —Subdivisions establishes subdivision regulations.
Chapter 25—Zoning addresses various zoning rules for the County,including establishing a Flood
Hazard Overlay District based on the FIRM to bring the county in compliance with the NFIP.
NFIP Compliance
The Director of Community Development is the primary administrator of the NFIP in Botetourt
County,and is a Certified Floodplain Manager.The county also maintains a retainer contract with
an organization to assist in administrative functions. Like all rural, growing communities, the
County has difficulty maintaining budget and staff.Their success in NFIP is due to the dedication
of existing staff performing multiple auxiliary functions.
Botetourt County entered the NFIP in 1978.Since that time,182 claims have been paid out in the
County,totaling$3,563,445. There are 1,752 structures exposed to flood risk in the community.
Twenty-eight are repetitive loss and six are severe repetitive loss. The community does not
participate in CRS.There were 137 NFIP policies in force in the County(including the towns of
Buchanan, Fincastle and Troutville)as of July 2025.
The boundaries of the floodplain district for the County are established as shown on the FIRM
(effective date of December 17,2010).
Dam Safety
Botetourt County adopted a Drainage and Flood Control Ordinance in 1987. Division 2 Dam
Safety, in Sec. 8.5-31 addresses issues concerning impoundment construction, inspection and
maintenance stating "No one shall have a right to build or maintain an impoundment structure
which unreasonably threatens the life or property of another. The [county] administrator shall
cause safety inspections to be made of impounding structures on such schedule, as he deems
appropriate. The time of the initial inspection and the frequency of reinspection shall be
established depending on such factors as the condition of the structure and its size,type,location
and downstream hazard potential. The owners of impounding structures found to have
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-12
deficiencies which could threaten life or property if uncorrected, shall take the corrective actions
needed to remove such deficiencies within the time limits established by this article,or if no time
limit is established,within a reasonable time."
There are five dams of significance in Botetourt County.These are the Blue Ridge Estates Dam
on Laymantown Creek,Carvin Cove Dam on Carvin Creek,Orchard Lake Dam on Glade Creek,
Rainbow Forest Dam on Laymantown Creek and Greenfield dam on an unnamed creek.Botetourt
staff regularly reaches out to dam owners.
Gathright Dam,located on the Jackson River in Alleghany County,was completed in 1979 and is
operated for flood control of the Jackson and James Rivers.The facility is managed by the Army
Corps of Engineers. The dam controls the runoff from a 345 square mile drainage area and
reduces the effects of flooding along the Jackson and James Rivers. The Corps of Engineers
estimates that the project has prevented more than $70 million in flood damages. The James
River passes through the northern part of Botetourt County and impacts the communities of Eagle
Rock and Glen Wilton and the Town of Buchanan.
Other Factors
Botetourt contains several Towns,which are further discussed in the following sections,and works
collaboratively with them to support their development when possible. Botetourt County is a
member government of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission and the Roanoke
Valley Transportation Planning Organization.They are one of only two attainment counties in the
Appalachian Regional Commission service area.
Botetourt County has experienced some turnover challenges in the past few years,which is fairly
consistent with other governments in the area.The County does maintain a planning commission,
as well as a public relations position on staff.
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5.6 Town of Buchanan
The Town of Buchanan is a small,incorporated town within Botetourt County located on the James
River. Buchanan is an important tourist hub for Botetourt County.The Town provides water and
sewer service to residents.
Budget and Staffing Characteristics
The Town maintains four staff positions currently. The Town Manager acts as the floodplain
administrator for the Town and is the most likely to participate directly in mitigation planning.
The Town is too small to participate in the statewide audit document, but a proposed budget for
FY2025 is available on the website.25.The General Fund shows a balance of$903,351.$65,610
comes from the Commonwealth.Total revenues including water and sewer service fees are a little
over$2 million.
Plans and Planning Schedules
The Town maintains a Comprehensive Plan which is in the process of being updated.
Ordinances and Policy Mechanisms
Article II of Appendix A of the Code of the Town addresses Zoning,with Sec.201 establishing a
Flood Hazard Overlay District to maintain participation in the NFIP.
Chapter 7—Erosion&Sediment and Chapter 20—Subdivisions establish additional restrictions
on development.
NFIP Compliance
Botetourt County has adopted a Flood Hazard Overlay District as part of its Zoning Ordinance
(2002).The boundaries of the floodplain district are established as shown on the flood boundary
and floodway and/or Flood Insurance Rate Maps (effective date of December 17, 2010). The
Town of Buchanan has adopted a Floodplain Management Ordinance that requires new
residential buildings to be elevated to or above the base flood elevation.
The Town participates in the NFIP as a consumer of flood insurance for local government
infrastructure and is in good standing with the County.
The Town of Buchanan uses Botetourt County's E&S staff for erosion and sediment control
monitoring.
Other Factors
The Town of Buchanan collaborates with Botetourt County on some planning efforts.They are not
an official member of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission due to their size, but
RVARC does some support work for the Town at the County's request.
The Town does maintain a planning commission.
25 Invalid source specified.
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-14
5.7 Town of Fincastle
The Town of Fincastle is a small town centrally located within Botetourt County and the county
seat. While administrative offices for Botetourt County have largely moved out of the Town, it
maintains a central position in Botetourt County's identity. The Town has historically provided
water and sewer services; however, those services are now operated by the Western Virginia
Water Authority.
Budget and Staffing Characteristics
The Town of Fincastle maintains a very small staff, including a part-time Town Manager who is
charged with the majority of planning activities.The Town's floodplain administrator is the Mayor.
While they are too small to be included in the Comparative Report, a budget for FY2024 is
available on the town's website which details a General Fund of$173,000 and total revenues of
$537,700.
Plans and Planning Schedules
The Town does maintain a Comprehensive Plan,which was last updated in 2021.
Ordinances and Policy Mechanisms
The Town's Zoning Ordinance is available online, with Sec. 201 establishing a Flood Hazard
District to maintain participation in the NFIP.
NFIP Compliance
Botetourt County has adopted a Flood Hazard Overlay District as part of its Zoning Ordinance
(2002).The boundaries of the floodplain district are established as shown on the flood boundary
and floodway and/or Flood Insurance Rate Maps (effective date of December 17, 2010). The
Town of Fincastle has adopted a Floodplain Management Ordinance that requires new residential
buildings to be elevated to or above the base flood elevation.
The Town participates in the NFIP as a consumer of flood insurance for local government
infrastructure and is in good standing with the County.
The Town of Fincastle uses Botetourt County's E&S staff for erosion and sediment control
monitoring.
Other Factors
The Town of Fincastle holds several critical facilities for Botetourt County, including the
courthouse, Fire/EMS administrative offices, and the jail.They are not an official member of the
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission due to their size, but RVARC does some
support work for the Town at the County's request.
The Town maintains a planning commission of seven members,including a Zoning Administrator.
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-15
5.8 Town of Troutville
The Town of Troutville is a small town within Botetourt County. It is located on the southern end
of the county,where development pressures are higher, and is an Appalachian Trail community.
Town limits are just under one square mile with boundaries including Interstate 81 and the Norfolk
Southern Railroad right of way. Troutville provides domestic water via pumped storage system
including areas outside of town boundaries.Town population is 468 people.
Budget and Staffing Characteristics
The Town maintains limited staff,including a volunteer Zoning Administrator,Utility Operator,and
Clerk as well as a Facilities and Equipment Manager and Town Attorney. The floodplain
administrator is the Utility Operator.
The FY26 Town budget for general fund is$187,000.00.
Plans and Planning Schedules
No plans or planning documents were available on the Town website.The last comprehensive
plan was completed in 2010.
Ordinances and Policy Mechanisms
The Town does maintain a Zoning Code and Erosion and Sediment Control regulations.Article
XIV of the Zoning Code details the Floodplain Overlay District.
NFIP Compliance
Botetourt County has adopted a Flood Hazard Overlay District as part of its Zoning Ordinance
(2002).The boundaries of the floodplain district are established as shown on the flood boundary
and floodway and/or Flood Insurance Rate Maps (effective date of December 17, 2010). The
Town of Troutville has adopted a Floodplain Management Ordinance that requires new residential
buildings to be elevated to or above the base flood elevation.
The Town participates in the NFIP as a consumer of flood insurance for local government
infrastructure,and is in good standing with the County.
The Town of Troutville uses Botetourt County's E&S staff for erosion and sediment control
monitoring.
Other Factors
The Town does maintain a planning commission.They are not an official member of the Roanoke
Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission due to their size,but RVARC does some support work for
the Town at the County's request.
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-16
5.9 Craig County
Craig County is one of the most rural localities in the service area,with a population in 2023 of
4,881 and a projected population of 4,528 by 2030. The median age is 46.1 and the median
household income is$66,286. Nearly two thirds of the county is national forest or state parks.
Budget and Staffing Characteristics
Craig County budget information is available from the statewide Comparative Report for 2024.
About 46 percent of revenues received by the County come from the Commonwealth, and 15
percent is direct federal money or federal pass-thru dollars.
Craig maintains minimal staffing,with a part time County Administrator serving also as the Zoning
Administrator,a Building Official,and an Emergency Management Coordinator.
Table 54:Craig County Budget 2024
Craig County Budget 2024
Population 4,855
Local Revenue $ 7,394,865.00
Per Capita $ 1,523.14
Percent of Revenue 39.02%
From the Commonwealth $ 8,701,440.00
Per Capita S 1,792.26
Percent of Revenue 45.91%
Federal Pass-thru $ 2,410,413.00
Per Capita $ 496.48
Percent of Revenue 12.72%
Direct Federal Aid $ 446,778.00
Per Capita $ 92.02
Percent of Revenue 2.36%o
Total Federal Vulnerability $ 2,857,191.00
Percent of Revenue 15.07%
Total Revenue $ 18,953,496.00
Non-Revenue Receipts $ -
Transfers from Other Funds $
Total Sources Available $18,953,496.00
Plans and Planning Schedules
The County maintains a Capital Improvements Plan, a Comprehensive Plan which addresses
land use, an Emergency Operations Plan and Continuity of Operations Plan. The Emergency
Operations Plan specifically addresses hazards and was last updated in 2025.
Ordinances and Policy Mechanisms
Chapter 26—Fire Prevention and Protection establishes the volunteer fire service and establishes
rules for open burning.
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-17
Chapter 46—Erosion and Sediment Control regulates land disturbing activities.The Town of New
Castle utilizes the E&S Control services of Craig County.
Chapter 47—Stormwater Management addresses required stormwater management plans.
Chapter 50—Floods addresses flood hazard reduction and required elements for the NFIP.
Chapter 54—Subdivisions and Chapter 58—Zoning address new development in the County and
general land use.
NFIP Compliance
The Building Official is the floodplain administrator in Craig County,and is not certified. Staffing
challenges and financial restrictions combined with a low volume of required service are the
barriers to running an effective NFIP program. Since 1990, 71 claims have been paid out in the
community at$1,271,108.Two hundred and two structures are at flood risk in the community,with
six being repetitive loss structures.The community does not participate in CRS. There were 41
NFIP policies in force in the County and two in the Town of New Castle as of July 2025.
Dam Safety
There are four dams in Craig County.The Mountain Castles Soil and Water Conservation District
has responsibility for the operation and maintenance of these dams. The dams are located on
Johns Creek,Little Oregon Creek,Mudlick Branch,and Dicks Creek.The dams were constructed
during the period of 1966 to 1968 for the purpose of flood control in the Johns Creek watershed.
Future work will be occurring to rehabilitate several of these dams. Johns Creek Volunteer Fire
Department has observers for each dam when there are high water issues. Craig County staff
work regularly with MCSWCD. MCSWCD provided inundation maps for this plan, located in
Appendix H.
Town of New Castle
The Town of New Castle is included in this capabilities assessment despite not having met the
criteria for participation in the planning effort. Craig County serves as the planning authority for
the Town in hazard mitigation planning. The Town of New Castle is the county seat of Craig
County.They are not an active jurisdiction in this plan,but participate through Craig County.The
town has one staff person who functions as Town Clerk, Treasurer to the Town Council, and
Zoning Administrator. Limited information is available on the Craig County website regarding the
Town's government. No budget information is available.
Other Factors
The County has participated in the VDEM Flood Intelligence Unit's flood gauge program.Three
water level gauges and two precipitation gauges have been installed in key locations throughout
the County. The County receives support from RVARC as a member government and is within
the service area for the Appalachian Regional Commission. The boundaries of the floodplain
district for the County, including the Town of New Castle,are established as shown on the FIRM
maps(effective date of April 2,2009).
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-18
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-19
5.10 Roanoke County
Roanoke County is one of the largest localities by population,with 89,755 residents in 2023 and
100,027 projected in 2030, excluding the population of the Town of Vinton. The development
patterns of the County are largely suburban and rural,with some more densely developed areas.
The median age is lower than many other localities in the region at 43.7.The median household
income is the highest in the region at$80,872. The County encircles the Cities of Roanoke and
Salem. The Town of Vinton is located within the County. The County additionally owns and
operates the Explore Park,a major regional outdoor recreation facility which is bifurcated by the
Roanoke River,other parks potentially impacted by flooding such as Green Hill Park and Wayside,
and several miles of the Roanoke River Greenway which are largely in the floodplain.
Budget and Staffing Characteristics
Data for the county is available in the statewide Comparative Report. Local revenue is over 56
percent of the revenue for the county in 2024.The percentage of federal revenue is low,at less
than 9 percent.
The County maintains numerous staff, including several community planners, stormwater
management staff and engineers, GIS staff, and emergency manager. They are a CRS
community.
Table 55:Roanoke County Revenues,2024
Roanoke County Budget 2024
Population 96,519
Local Revenue $248,040,326.00
Per Capita $ 2,569.86
Percent of Revenue 56.23%
From the Commonwealth $154,421,775.00
Per Capita $ 1,599.91
Percent of Revenue 35.01%
Federal Pass-thru $ 30,897,590.00
Per Capita $ 320.12
Percent of Revenue 7.00%
Direct Federal Aid $ 7,761,572.00
Per Capita $ 80.41
Percent of Revenue 1.76%
Total Federal Vulnerability $38,659,162.00
Percent of Revenue 8.76%
Total Revenue $441,121,263.00
Non-Revenue Receipts
Transfers from Other Funds $ 1,405,682,00
Total Sources Available $442,526,945.00
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-20
Plans and Planning Schedules
The County maintains numerous plans,including a Capital Improvements Plan,a Comprehensive
Plan last updated in 2024 which addresses future land use,an Emergency Operations Plan, an
Economic Development Plan, an annual update of the Regional Stormwater Management Plan,
and other plans and planning documents.
Ordinances and Policy Mechanisms
The County has engaged in a variety of mechanisms to address hazards, including land
acquisition, maintaining an up to date building code, adopting the FIRM (effective date of
September 28,2007)and a floodplain overlay,a subdivision ordinance,and a zoning ordinance,
all of which are tools that have been used to address hazards.An update was completed in 2025
and is being adopted.
Roanoke County has adopted an Erosion & Stormwater Management Ordinance (2025) and
Design Manual (2008) that require new residential buildings to be elevated two feet and new
commercial buildings one foot above the 100-year base flood elevation. The Stormwater
Management Design Manual that specifies acceptable methodologies,design events for a wide
variety of facilities, and administrative requirements such as submittal checklists. Appendices
provide a wide variety of charts and tables to be used in applying the approved methodologies.
The County has a floodplain overlay district,corresponding to areas identified on Flood Insurance
Rate Maps(FIRM)prepared by FEMA.Roanoke County also has up to date DFIRMS of all FEMA
studied streams.Additionally,the County has adopted regulations for development in areas that
contain more than 100 acres of drainage area that require flood studies for elevations of additions
or new construction.
Roanoke County has adopted a Roanoke River Corridor Conservation and Overlay District.
Although primarily designed to protect water quality, it also helps reduce siltation, which in turn
protects the channel that is carrying floodwaters. In this overlay district, smaller sites (2,500
square feet in lieu of standard 10,000 square feet minimum) must meet erosion and sediment
controls standards. Roanoke County has completed over one mile of stream restoration.Project
goals were aimed at reducing streambank erosion, improving channel stability during high flow
events,storing flood waters,and supporting aquatic and other life.
NFIP Compliance
Roanoke County primarily staffs the NFIP program through the twin roles of a Project Engineer
and a Floodplain Administrator. Floodplain management is a primary function for staff.They are
also a CRS community. Major barriers to running an effective NFIP program include challenges
with staffing following disasters to complete tasks in a timely manner. Limited knowledge beyond
primary staff member requires that individual to be present or involved with all mitigation activities
and disaster response.More training is sought,however,staff time in the face of additional duties
remains a challenge.
Roanoke County entered the NFIP in 1978. To date 797 claims have been paid out in the
community with a total amount of$18,582,734. There were 288 NFIP policies in force in the
County as of July 2025.
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Participating in the Community Rating System is an important program for Roanoke County.The
County maintains an established permit process, requires and tracks elevation certificates, and
provides public outreach and education.The County is challenged by the investment of financial
and staff resources to improve the class in this plan cycle.
Dam Safety
There are eight regulated dams that could impact properties in Roanoke County:Privately owned
Loch Haven Lake Dam located on a tributary of Deer Branch Creek;Appalachian Electric Power
owned Niagara Dam located on the Roanoke River; privately owned Orchard Dam on a tributary
of Glade Creek; Carvin Cove Reservoir Dam, located on a tributary of the Carvin Creek and
owned by the Western Virginia Water Authority, Spring Hollow Reservoir Dam located on a
tributary of the Roanoke River and owned by the Western Virginia Water Authority,Montclair Dam
and North lakes Dam in the Peters Creek watershed managed by Roanoke City, and Hidden
Valley Dam in southwest county managed by Roanoke County.
The County of Roanoke Emergency Management Coordinator receives and reviews annual
Emergency Action Plans(EAPs)from the Western Virginia Water Authority for the Spring Hollow
Reservoir, Carvins Cove Reservoir, Falling Creek, and Beaverdam Creek Dams along with
participation in their annual drill,last held in March of 2025.Additionally,American Electric Power
(AEP)submits annual Emergency Operations Plan updates for the Niagara Dam and conducts
annual drills,with the most recent completed August of 2025.An Annual Drill for Woods End Dam
was conducted in December 2025.
The County sees an opportunity for regional collaboration around high hazard potential dams,
and a need for dam breach inundation mapping for dams which could impact their community.
Other Factors and Activities
Roanoke County was first designated as a"StormReady"community in 2019 and has successfully
maintained this designation through the National Weather Service. The county's next
recertification is scheduled for 2027.
The County has strategically deployed three(3)Department of Homeland Security(DHS)stream
flood sensors and three (3) locally monitored rain gauges to enhance real-time monitoring
capabilities.In addition,the County utilizes resources from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), including the Water Prediction Center's forecasts and mapping tools
(water.noaa.gov/va)and the NOAA rainfall monitoring system(weather.gov/rainfall).
Project Impact Roanoke Valley was a partnership of FEMA, Roanoke County, the cities of
Roanoke and Salem and the Town of Vinton to reduce destruction to life and property during
disasters through planning and mitigation. The Project Impact Roanoke Valley Steering
Committee and its work groups evaluated hazard mitigation needs from 1998 to 2001. The four
work groups were:Hazard Mitigation,Public Information and Community Education,Stormwater
Management and Partnership and Resource group. The Stormwater Management group was
responsible for the preparation of over 1,500 floodplain elevation certificates in the participating
localities. The Public Information and Community Education and Partnership and Resource
groups met with community organizations, civic groups, businesses and the general public to
promote hazard mitigation activities. The Land Use group focused on the how local plans and
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-22
ordinances relate to hazard mitigation and published Hazard Mitigation through Land Use
Planning in 2001. The Hazard Mitigation group addressed flooding, wildfire, meteorological
events,and hazardous materials incidents in its report Hazard Analysis.
The County provides annual updates on the Roanoke Valley Regional Stormwater Management
Plan,which is further discussed in Section 5.14.
Roanoke County provides capacity to the Town of Vinton around stormwater issues.The County
is a member government of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission and the
Roanoke Valley Transportation Planning Organization. Water and sewer is provided by the
Western Virginia Water Authority. The County is a member of the Roanoke Valley Resource
Authority.Valley Metro serves this locality and they are a member of the Greenway Commission.
They have a robust public outreach program and are a member of Roanoke Valley Television.
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-23
5.11 City of Roanoke
The City of Roanoke has the highest population in the region,with a 2023 population of 98,677
and a projected 2030 population of 101,514 per the regional CEDS. The median age is 38,the
lowest in the region.The median household income is$51,523,the second to lowest in the region.
The City owns and maintains Carvins Cove, a large park which surrounds a key reservoir for
water in the Roanoke Valley. The region's only level 1 trauma center is located within the City.
The City is encircled by Roanoke County and adjoined by the City of Salem and Town of Vinton,
meaning that many environmental issues are shared between these localities.
Budget and Staffing Characteristics
Budget information for the City is available most recently in the 2023 publication of the statewide
Comparative Report.A little over 46 percent of the City's revenue is local,with slightly less than
17 percent of the revenue being federal or federal pass-thru dollars.
The City maintains a robust stormwater management department, multiple planning staff, and
several emergency response professionals, as well as dedicated GIS staff. They are a CRS
community in good standing. The City sees an opportunity for increased emergency response
training amongst their staff.
Table 56:City of Roanoke Revenues 2023
City of Roanoke Budget 2023
Population 99,634
Local Revenue $ 280,458,617.00
Per Capita $ 2,814.89
Percent of Revenue 46.44%
From the Commonwealth $ 221,242,528.00
Per Capita $ 2,220.55
Percent of Revenue 36.63%
Federal Pass-thru $ 86,449,186.00
Per Capita $ 867.67
Percent of Revenue 14.31%
Direct Federal Aid $ 15,807,469.00
Per Capita $ 158.66
Percent of Revenue 2.62%
Total Federal Vulnerability $ 102,256,655.00
Percent of Revenue 16.93%
Total Revenue $ 603,957,800.00
Non-Revenue Receipts $ 713,029.00
Transfers from Other Funds $ 1,961,500.00
Total Sources Available $ 606,632,329.00
Plans and Planning Schedules
The City maintains a variety of plans and planning documents.Many of these are listed in Section
3.4: Flooding.
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-24
• Comprehensive Plan
• Downtown Roanoke Plan(2017)
• Urban Forestry Plan
• Parks and Recreation Plan
• Climate Action Plan
• CIP
• NFIP Community Rating System Repetitive Loss Area Analysis(2021)*
• City of Roanoke Flood Resilience Plan(2023)*
• Emergency Operations Basic Plan(2020)*
• Peters Creek Watershed Master Plan(2019)*
• Tinker Creek and Tributaries Watershed Master Plan(2016)*
• Trout Run Watershed Master Plan(2017)*
Additionally, they have conducted research into the urban heat island effect, mapping critical
hotspots within the City and working with the local Roanoke Memorial Hospital on improving
health outcomes for City residents and educating residents on the impacts of heat.
Key amongst these plans,the Flood Resilience Plan could be updated to include additional flood
mitigation actions.
The City is working on a collaborative plan to mitigate wildland fire in multiple park areas
throughout the City. The current Substantial Damage Management procedures are being
consolidated into an effective plan. They are also in the process of revising the Emergency
Operations Plan, which will provide opportunities to include mitigation language. The Debris
Management Annex will be revised during the next update to our EOP to include a more circular
economy framework.
Ordinances and Policy Mechanisms
The City has a robust ordinance,including most mechanisms allowed in the Commonwealth.The
FIRM,with an effective date of September 28,2007,is adopted in the Floodplain Overlay District
(Chapter 36.2 Zoning).An update was completed in 2025 and is being adopted.Additionally, a
River and Creek Corridors Overlay District seeks to manage water quality of the numerous
streams running through the City.
The City has adopted the River and Creek Corridors Overlay District (RCC) to recognize the
Roanoke River and its tributaries as valuable water resources in the City and to designate certain
areas along their banks as being critical to their protection in order to ensure that such streams
and adjacent lands will fulfill their natural functions.Streams have the primary natural functions of
conveying storm and ground water, storing floodwater, and supporting aquatic and other life.
Vegetated lands adjacent to the stream channel in the drainage basin serve as a buffer to protect
the stream system's ability to fulfill its' natural functions. Primary natural functions of the buffer
include protection of water quality by filtering pollutants,provision of storage for floodwaters,and
provision of suitable habitats for wildlife. Within the River and Creek Overlay District, riparian
buffers shall be established and shall consist of all land adjacent to, and fifty(50)feet landward
from,the top of the banks of the Roanoke River or the applicable tributary.Further,riparian buffers
shall be retained and maintained if present,and where it does not exist,shall be established and
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-25
maintained upon any land disturbing activity. To retain ecological functional value, native
vegetation shall be preserved to the maximum extent possible.
Other sections of the ordinance relevant to this effort include Chapter 11.3:Stormwater Discharge
Requirements,Chapter 11.5 Stormwater Utility,Chapter 11.6 Stormwater Management,Chapter
11.7 Erosion and Sediment Control, and Chapter 12 Fire Prevention and Protection. Building
regulations,subdivision regulations,and general land use are also provided for in the ordinance.
Current zoning standards restrict floodway development to specific permitted uses including
agricultural operations,recreational use,botanical gardens,and accessory residential use.Other
acceptable floodway uses must be granted by special exception.All floodway development must
meet "no-rise" qualifications and all new floodplain development or substantially improved
structures must meet the freeboard requirements for elevation or flood-proofing and be within
NFIP compliance.After reviewing, the City finds its current zoning and floodplain management
ordinance adequate and does not plan to assert stricter permitted uses in the floodway or other
flood zones.
Enforcing stricter building codes within flood zones can further reduce flood risk by requiring more
strict elevation,or floodproofing requirements in the floodplain.The City currently requires 2 feet
of freeboard within the regulatory floodplain but otherwise follows the Virginia Uniform Statewide
Building Code.Current City standards are in line with City's goals and will update alongside any
state level changes.
Subdivision ordinance language help to ensure that the threat of flooding is considered and
addressed in the planning process. The City's ordinance language requires that subdivision
layouts be consistent with minimizing flood damage and ensuring there are clear and safe
evacuation routes during a flood event. It also requires adequate subdivision drainage and
locating utilities and facilities in areas subject to minimal flood damage.After review,there are no
areas of the subdivision ordinance in regard to floodplains that have been deemed in need of
change.
Stormwater management regulations, specifically those addressing water quantity, reduce the
severity of flooding when applied across the community.These regulations ensure development
impacts on stormwater runoff are offset by solutions such as green infrastructure best
management practices. The city code follows the Virginia Stormwater Management Program
(VSMP)to address both stormwater quality and quantity,and also employs a stormwater credits
program that encourages both residential and commercial properties to employ stormwater best
management practices that assists the city in managing stormwater issues.There are no current
plans to revise the stormwater management ordinance beyond the state standards.
The City of Roanoke has adopted more stringent regulations, references,guidelines, standards
and specifications than promulgated by the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board(and any
local handbook or publication of the board)for the effective control of soil erosion and sediment
deposition to prevent the unreasonable degradation of properties,stream channels,waters and
other natural resources.
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Notable amongst the other localities,the City has designated a Stormwater Utility Fee in 2014
which is used to fund water quality improvements in the region and encourage alternative
development practices. These activities have co-benefits to reduce flooding in many cases.
Project examples include:
• Planning, design, engineering, construction, and debt retirement for new facilities and
enlargement or improvement of existing facilities, including the enlargement or
improvement of dams,levees,and floodwalls,that serve to control stormwater;
• Water Quality Projects including stream restorations and other green infrastructure to
reduce pollutants and erosion and to enhance runoff infiltration;
• Facility operation and maintenance, including the maintenance of publicly owned
stormwater and flood mitigation infrastructure;
• Monitoring of stormwater control devices and ambient water quality monitoring;and
• Other activities consistent with the state or federal regulations or permits governing
stormwater management, including, but not limited to, public education, watershed
planning, inspection and enforcement activities, and pollution prevention planning and
implementation.
• Creation of a Stormwater Utility Flood Mitigation Program as a supplement to nationally
competitive FEMA grants.
• Outreach and Education on water quality,stream health,floodplain natural functions,flood
insurance and substantial damage and substantial improvement requirements.
NFIP Compliance
The City participates in, and is in good standing with, the National Flood Insurance Program
(NFIP) by enforcing floodplain management regulations that meet federal requirements. This
program allows property owners to purchase flood insurance from NFIP.As of 2025, there are
385 NFIP policies in force in the City.
The Zoning Administrator is the primary responsible staff person for floodplain management,but
is not a certified floodplain manager.The City entered the NFIP in 1981. In that time there have
been 797 claims at $18,852,734 total. There are 85 repetitive loss properties and 11 severe
repetitive loss properties in the City.
The City identified land use demands in an urban environment as a primary inhibiting factor for
running an effective NFIP program,as well as staff expertise continuity and maintenance.
The City of Roanoke entered the CRS program in 1996 and maintains a class 6 rating (20%
discount on flood insurance premiums for parcel owners within City limits).
Dam Safety
Spring Hollow Reservoir Dam, located on a tributary of the Roanoke River and owned by the
Western Virginia Water Authority,could impact properties in the City of Roanoke if it failed.Carvins
Cove Reservoir Dam, located on a tributary of the Carvins Creek and owned by the Western
Virginia Water Authority,could impact properties in the City if it failed.Two other smaller private
lakes in the City are designated high hazard by the OCR;Windsor Lake and Spring Lake, both
have conducted significant spillway improvements, and owners closely coordinate with the City.
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-27
The City works work directly with them during storm events and potential flooding impacts that
would or could potentially see impacts in on dam structures.
Windsor Lake and Spring Valley Lake dams are privately-owned dams located within the City of
Roanoke. The emergency communication protocol for both includes notification to City of
Roanoke Emergency Management.
Windsor Lake Corporation reaches out to Emergency Management annually for communication
tests and every three years for a tabletop exercise and revision of their Emergency Action Plan.
They have shared a copy of their 2025 plan with the City,as well as GIS shapefiles of inundation
extents.A drill at the Windsor Lake Dam occurred on January 3,2025.City personnel participated
as part of testing the notification procedure.A tabletop exercise was conducted on Jun 3,2025.
Spring Valley Lake LLC is due for a revision of their Emergency Action Plan.The last revision of
the plan is dated 2013. They conducted a joint evaluation with City of Roanoke Emergency
Management after a 2020 emergency event.
Other Mitigation Implementation Activities
The City continues to maintain open space as recreational areas as well as seeking to expand
the open space in the floodplain through acquisition and demolition of highly flood prone
structures, then maintaining them as deed restricted parcels.Acquisition, demolition, and open
space preservation has been and will continue to be one of the City's strategies to reduce
community flood risk. The City participates in State and Federal grant funding programs to be
able to fund these projects.
Stream restorations have been a significantly beneficial strategy for flood loss prevention.Stream
restorations allow for channel design and streambank stabilization that protects surrounding
infrastructure, with the added benefit of renaturalizing the surrounding floodplain. This not only
provides flood storage and property protection benefits,but also improves water quality and local
habitat. The City plans to continue to seek high priority stream segments and apply for grant
funding for projects in those areas.
Star City Alerts allows for direct alerting to citizen devices which helps save lives and property by
shortening warning times and informing the public during flood events. The City has plans to
leverage local stream gauge data to trigger automatic communications through this alerting
system. Currently the system has a manual communication chain during flood events. Grant
funding is being sought to establish the gauges and software necessary to make this connection
happen.
The City has a large backlog of Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) to improve stormwater
drainage throughout problem areas in the City.The CIP project prioritization system now allows
the best use of Stormwater Utility funds and awarded grants to upgrade and repair the stormwater
drainage system.
The City has successfully maintained a consistent flooding outreach program that involves a
brochure that goes to all floodplain properties, a flood safety website, social media posts,
repetitive loss letters,and hosting a Prepareathon_(an event focused on emergency preparedness
including flooding preparedness). New projects are always being considered to ensure flood
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-28
hazard and mitigation information is reaching the community. Outreach projects are typically
funded through the City general fund and the Stormwater Utility fund.
The City of Roanoke was designated a Storm Ready community in February 2010 by the National
Weather Service.The City was certified based on it level of emergency preparedness including:
a 24-hour warning point and emergency operations center;development of at least four methods
by which weather warnings can be received and disseminated; creation of a system to monitor
local weather conditions; conducting community seminars to promote disaster readiness; and
development of a formal hazardous weather plan, including spotter training and emergency
exercises.An additional benefit of the designation to the residents and business owners in the
City is reduced rate for flood insurance.
The Stream Hydrology And Rainfall Knowledge System(SHARKS) is a platform that integrates
USGS precipitation gauge data as well as stream sensors across the City of Roanoke to show
real time stream height and rain data.This facilitates staff understanding and analysis of flooding
in real-time events as well as past flood data.The SHARKS system helps inform flood planning,
emergency responders,road closures and stormwater projects.
The City partners with the U.S.Geological Survey(USGS)to monitor and study local waterways
to better understand local water quality dynamics and inform management decisions. Monitoring
objectives include: continual stream levels, water temperature, pH, conductivity, dissolved
oxygen, and turbidity. Statistical relationships between sediment and turbidity have been
developed at each station in order to estimate sediment loading with the goal of effective
management of suspended sediment.In addition,the monitoring data are being used with aquatic
insect data to better understand the relationship between hydrology, water quality and aquatic
insect health in the City.These monitoring and science efforts support the City's science-informed
watershed management strategy; more information is available at the USGS'Roanoke Project
Site.
The City has also partnered with the USGS to install precipitation monitoring gauges in a selected
spatial distribution pattern to optimize data capture.This robust precipitation monitoring network
can provide many benefits to a variety of stakeholders within the city, including stormwater and
other utilities, first responders, educational programs, and others. The monitoring network can
provide critical data to aid the management and modeling of the stormwater infrastructure and
first responders could utilize the real-time monitoring to better allocate resources during extreme
precipitation events. The network could also be used as an outreach tool to educate residents
and students about precipitation and potential risks of precipitation and flooding.
Project Impact Roanoke Valley was a partnership of FEMA, Roanoke County, the cities of
Roanoke and Salem and the Town of Vinton to reduce destruction to life and property during
disasters through planning and mitigation. The Project Impact Roanoke Valley Steering
Committee and its work groups evaluated hazard mitigation needs from 1998 to 2001.The four
work groups were: Hazard Mitigation,Public Information and Community Education,Stormwater
Management and Partnership and Resource group. The Stormwater Management group that
originated with the Project Impact Roanoke Valley initiative was responsible for the preparation of
over 1,500 floodplain elevation certificates.The Public Information and Community Education and
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-29
Partnership and Resource groups met with community organization,civic groups,businesses and
the general public to promote hazard mitigation activities.
Other Factors
The City identified several factors as potentially inhibiting mitigation activities. State ordinance
and national building codes may offer some limitations.Funding for acquiring land may be limited.
The loss of multiple federal funding sources will severely impact mitigation efforts.Potential losses
include BRIC grants, funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, Community Bloc Grants, and
funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. These have all been key sources of mitigation
funding in the past.
The City is a member of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission,the Roanoke Valley
Resource Authority, the Greenway Commission, the Western Virginia Water Authority, Valley
Metro,and the Roanoke Valley Transportation Planning Organization.They maintain a planning
commission and a board of zoning appeals.They have a robust public outreach program and are
a member of Roanoke Valley Television.Mitigation-related programming is common in their public
outreach.
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5.12 City of Salem
The City of Salem is a small city adjoining the City of Roanoke and encircled by Roanoke County.
Route 11,a key transportation corridor,bisects the City and LewisGale hospital,the region's other
major hospital, is located within its boundaries.The City had a population of 25,477 in 2023 with
a projected population of 25,519 in 2030.The median age is 40.3, and the median household
income is$68,402.
Budget and Staffing Characteristics
The City staffs several positions,including all relevant positions to mitigation planning.Afloodplain
administrator, a GIS coordinator, emergency management personnel, building officials and civil
engineers, as well as a community planner, are all covered by staff. The Comparative Report
shows a low 7 percent federal funding ratio,and local revenue makes up a hearty 61 percent of
revenues for the locality.
Table 57:City of Salem Revenues 2024
City of Salem Budget 2024
Population 24,985
local Revenue $ 100,577,836.00
Per Capita $ 4,025.53
Percent of Revenue 61.27%
From the Commonwealth $ 52,065,597.00
Per Capita $ 2,083.87
Percent of Revenue 31.72%
Federal Pass-thru $ 5,508,189.00
Per Capita $ 220.46
Percent of Revenue 3.36%
Direct Federal Aid $ 6,003,705.00
Per Capita $ 240.29
Percent of Revenue 3.66%
Total Federal Vulnerability $ 11,511,894.00
Percent of Revenue 7.01%
Total Revenue $ 164,155,327.00
Non-Revenue Receipts $ 720,018.00
Transfers from Other Funds $ 3,305,679.00
Total Sources Available $168,181,024.00
Plans and Planning Schedules
The City of Salem maintains numerous plans, many of which are listed in section 3.4: Flooding.
The Resilience Plan and the Emergency Operations Plan are perhaps most relevant to this effort.
The Comprehensive Plan was recently updated in 2025.
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-31
Ordinances and Policy Mechanisms
Chapter 30.—Environment of the City ordinance contains several sections relevant to mitigation
planning and emergency response,including Article III.Erosion and Sediment Control and Article
IV.Stormwater Management.Chapter 34—Fire Prevention and Protection deals with hazardous
materials, bonfires,and creates the role of a fire marshal.
The City of Salem has adopted the regulations, references, guidelines, standards and
specifications promulgated by the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board (and any local
handbook or publication of the board) for the effective control of soil erosion and sediment
deposition to prevent the unreasonable degradation of properties,stream channels,waters and
other natural resources. Salem's ordinance, in addition to referencing the Virginia Erosion and
Sediment Control Handbook,states in Section 30-117 that the erosion and sediment control plan
must consider"Peak runoff from a ten year or 100-year frequency storm, based on present and
future developed conditions ..."and"If the watershed is greater than one square mile in area, a
peak runoff study of the 100-year frequency storm shall be prepared."
The City of Salem adopted a Floodplain Management Ordinance in 1993(revised in 2007)that
requires new residential buildings to be elevated to a minimum of one foot(1')above the base
flood elevation. The City has a floodplain overlay district corresponding to areas identified on
Flood Insurance Rate Maps prepared by FEMA. The Flood Insurance Rate Maps have an
effective date of September 28,2007.An update was completed in 2025 and is being adopted.
The City has a Stormwater Management Ordinance that is part of the City Code.It was developed
to bring the City into compliance with state laws on stormwater management and is consistent
with the statewide Stormwater Management Model Ordinance.
Chapter 106 establishes the zoning code, which includes the floodplain overlay district in
accordance with the NFIP.An urban forest overlay is also designated as a method to combat
urban heat island effect.
NFIP Compliance
The Director of Community Development is the program administrator for the NFIP. He is
floodplain manager certified. There were 252 policies in the community in 2025. Since Salem
joined the NFIP in 1978,592 claims have been paid out in the community at$18,080,710.Flood
risk is high in the community,with 2,592 structures at risk. Ninety are repetitive loss structures,
with 29 being severe repetitive loss structures. Staff note that the program is understaffed and
underfunded — staffing constraints remain a repetitive issue for localities across the region in
running an effective NFIP program.
Dam Safety
Spring Hollow Reservoir Dam, located on a tributary of the Roanoke River and owned by the
Western Virginia Water Authority, could impact properties in the City of Salem if it failed. The
WVWA is a recognized jurisdiction in this plan. Further information about potential impacts from
this dam is available in Appendix H.
Other Factors
The City stated a desire to improve public awareness around hazards. They stated that their
approach to mitigation is proactive and adaptive.
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The City maintains many of their own utility systems,including their own water and sewer system
and some electrical infrastructure.They are a member of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional
Commission, the Roanoke Valley Transportation Planning Organization, and the Greenway
Commission.The locality does maintain a planning commission.Valley Metro serves this locality.
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-33
5.13 Town of Vinton
The Town of Vinton is one of the largest towns in the Commonwealth with a 2023 population of
8,038 per the CEDS.Located within Roanoke County,the town also borders the City of Roanoke.
The median age is 39.7 making this the second youngest locality in the region.
Budget and Staffing Characteristics
No budget information is available in the statewide Comparative Report for the past two years.
However,the adopted FY2025 budget is available on the Town website..26 The document states
FY2023 actual revenues in the General Fund, Capital Fund and Stormwater Fund were
$15,756,600.Combined revenue from non-categorical aid, state sales tax,and categorical aid in
that year were about 23 percent of the revenues received.
Vinton uses this money to, among other things, staff several positions, including several
community planners, a code enforcement officer, floodplain manager, and a capital projects
manager. Some of these may be collected in one position. Vinton has a relatively small staff
compared to some other localities in the region.
Plans and Planning Schedules
The Town maintains a Capital Improvement Plan (updated annually), Comprehensive Plan last
updated in 2025 which also serves as a land use plan,and an Emergency Operations Plan and
Continuity of Operations Plan updated in 2022.All of these plans include mitigation actions.
They also maintain a transportation plan and an economic development plan.
Ordinances and Policy Mechanisms
Chapter 79—Stormwater Management establishes stormwater and erosion and sediment control
regulations. Appendix B contains the zoning ordinance, including establishing a Floodplain
Overlay District.
The Town of Vinton floodplain management regulations were originally adopted in 1982. These
regulations are designed as an overlay district and adopted as part of the 1995 Zoning Ordinance.
The regulations have been amended subsequently in 2007 and 2014 and comply with the Federal
Emergency Management Agency(FEMA)floodplain regulations.The Floodplain Overlay District
applies to properties that have been identified on a Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM)as being
in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA). The land area covered by the floodwaters of the base
flood is the SFHA.
There are two(2)flood zones in the Town:
1. Floodway—The land immediately adjoining the watercourse channel that is the natural
conduit for floodwaters;and
2. Special Flood Hazard Area—Any area of land that is susceptible to a one percent(1%)
chance of flooding annually.The most recent FIRM for the Town of Vinton was completed
on September 28,2007.An update was completed in 2025 and is being adopted.
26 https://www.vintonva.gov/100/Budgets-Reports
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-34
The Town's floodplain management regulations ordinance requires that new residential structures
be at least two(2)feet above base flood elevation,and that new non-residential structures be at
least one(1)foot above flood elevation.
The Town follows Roanoke County's Combined Erosion &Stormwater Management Ordinance
that is part of the County Code. It was developed to bring the County into compliance with state
laws on stormwater management and erosion and sedimentation control. In addition to using the
Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook, Roanoke County publishes a separate
Stormwater Management Design Manual that specifies acceptable methodologies,design events
for a wide variety of facilities, and administrative requirements such as submittal checklists.
Appendices provide a wide variety of charts and tables to be used in applying the approved
methodologies.
Roanoke County administers the Town of Vinton Erosion and Sediment Control program under
the adopted regulations,references,guidelines,standards and specifications promulgated by the
Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board(and any local handbook or publication of the board)
for the effective control of soil erosion and sediment deposition to prevent the unreasonable
degradation of properties,stream channels,waters and other natural resources.Such regulations,
references,guidelines,standards and specifications for erosion and sediment control are included
in, but not limited to, the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Regulations and the Virginia
Erosion and Sediment Control Handbook, as amended from time to time. In 2025, Erosion and
Sediment Control standards, specifications and regulations were adopted under a new feint
combined Erosion&Stormwater Management Ordinance
Vinton staff note that a complication of implementation of these ordinances is equity. The
enforcement of these ordinances inadvertently impact lower-income populations and
neighborhoods.
NFIP Compliance
The Town participates in, and is in good standing with, the National Flood Insurance Program
(NFIP) by enforcing floodplain management regulations that meet federal requirements. This
program allows property owners to purchase flood insurance from NFIP.There are currently 27
NFIP policies in force in the Town.
The Assistant Planning and Zoning Director is responsible for floodplain management in this
community and is a Certified Floodplain Manager.One hundred and sixty structures are exposed
to flood risk in the community. Three of these are repetitive loss structures. The Midway
Community has limited policy coverage but is at risk of flooding.
As of October 1,2016,the Town is one of the few communities in Virginia that have been accepted
into the Community Rating System (CRS) program. Due to the continuing efforts of Town
administration,every Town of Vinton property owner—residential or commercial—whose property
is located within the Special Hazard Flood Area (SHFA), may be eligible for a 10%discount on
their annual flood insurance premium due to the Town's CRS Classification of 8.
Relative to CRS requirements, Vinton undertakes the following CRS specific activities, among
many others.
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-35
• Higher Regulatory Standards: Credit is provided for enforcing regulations that require
freeboard for new construction and substantial improvement, and local drainage
protection.Credit is also provided for the enforcement of building codes,a Building Code
Effectiveness Grading Schedule (BCEGS) Classification of 4/3, and regulations
administration.
• Open Space Preservation: Credit is provided for preserving approximately 20 percent of
the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)as open space and protecting open space land
with deed restrictions.
Dam Safety
Carvins Cove Reservoir Dam, located on a tributary of the Garvin Creek and owned by the
Western Virginia Water Authority(WVWA)could impact the western side of the Town of Vinton.
Inundation maps for this dam are included in Appendix H.
Other Mitigation Activities
The Town obtained two FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP)grant funding in April
1998 and July 2004.Through these two grant programs, 19 properties that were either developed
with residential structures or vacant lots located in the SFHA were acquired. Eleven structures
that were located in the floodway were demolished and the occupants and/or tenants were
relocated from the SFHA and the properties were rezoned to public/open space district.The Town
purchased a mobile home park in 2024 using local funds which involved the relocation or
demolition of nine manufactured home units that were in the floodway.Additionally, the Town
purchased and demolished a single-family residence located in the floodway in March 2025 using
local funds.The Town has an overarching goal of continuing to purchase flood prone properties
throughout its jurisdiction using a piecemeal strategy by working with current or future
homeowners and vacant landholders.
In January 2010, the Town of Vinton and Roanoke County entered a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) for Operations, Oversight, and Management of the Merged Emergency
Communications Center. By the agreement, the Roanoke County Emergency Communications
Center shall provide emergency and non-emergency dispatch services for the Town of Vinton,
including the Vinton Police Department and the Vinton Public Works Department. Services
delivery procedures will be documented in General Orders(GO)Standard Operating Procedures
(SOPs), and Directives, with input provided by the Inter-Agency Operational Team, and the
Advisory Board.
In partnership with the City of Roanoke,the Town purchased a flood warning system in 2022.
Other Factors
Increased assistance with grants administration is an opportunity for regional support to Vinton;
especially in regards to hazard mitigation grant programs provided by VDEM and DCR.
Additionally,less regulations and requirements on federal grants would be helpful in administering
the projects that are awarded.Additional grant assistance(especially from State agencies)is the
Town's biggest need in terms of addressing capacity constraints.
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-36
The Town receives support on stormwater work and some other services through Roanoke
County.The Town of Vinton is a member of the Roanoke Valley—Alleghany Regional Commission
and the Roanoke Valley Transportation Planning Organization. Valley Metro serves this locality
and they are a member of the Greenway Commission.The Town is a member of the Roanoke
Valley Resource Authority and the Western Virginia Water Authority. They have a robust public
outreach program and are a member of Roanoke Valley Television.
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-37
5.14 Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
The Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission is the regional planning district commission
and the holder of this planning document. The Regional Commission also staffs the Roanoke
Valley Transportation Planning Organization, which, while not a direct adopter to this plan, is
nonetheless a critical organization in providing transportation planning and funding to the region.
The Commission engages in planning across a wide variety of planning areas, including rural
transportation, alternative transportation and transportation demand management, public health
and opioid abatement,housing,water quality and stormwater management,and general technical
assistance including comprehensive plan and zoning assistance.
Budget and Staffing Characteristics
A breakdown of the Regional Commission budget is included below.The Commission does not
own public land or levy taxes upon citizens. All revenue comes from organizational dues,
individual contracts with locality or regional partners,state appropriations,state grant programs,
or federal grant programs and pass-thru dollars. In fact, more than a quarter of the revenue for
the Commission is federal or federal pass-thru.
The annual workprogram and budget of the Commission and TPO guide the work of the
Commission from year-to-year.The Strategic Plan guides the work of the Commission over a five-
year period.
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-38
Table 58:RVARC Budget FY2026
Roanoke Valley Alleghany Regional Commission
Budget Comparison FY2026 Final
Budget
2026
Revenues: Revenues
Localities Per Capita Regional Commission $ 400,274
Localities Per Capita TPO $ 35,882
Blueway Funding From Localities $ 11,491
Franklin County for Micro Transit Study $ 35,000
Department of Housing&Community Development $ 114,971
Federal Highway Administration-PL $ 726,273
Virginia Department of Transportation-PL $ 90,784
Federal Highway Administration-SPR $ 58,000
Federal STBG VDOT Glade Creek Funding $ 268,892
Virginia Department Rail & Public Transit, FTA Federal $ 184,682
Virginia Department Rail &Public Transit, FTA State $ 23,085
VA Dept. Rail &Public Transit, RideSolutions(Roanoke) $ 187,696
VA Department Rail& Public Transit Franklin County Micro
Transit $ 60,000
City of Roanoke Better Bus Stops $ 79,667
Federal Economic Development Administration $ 80,420
Virginia Department of Forestry $ 8,000
Virginia Department of Environmental Quaility $ 107,754
Virginia Environmental Endowment $ 20,798
Virginia Department of Emergency Management $ 38,619
Appalachian Regional Commission $ 67,614
Appalachian Regional Commission Ready LDD Grant $ 47,000
Mountain Castle Water Conservation District $ 7,000
Southeast Cresent $ 15,000
City of Roanoke Bike Coordination $ 12,000
ARP ACT City of Roanoke Carryover $ 68,327
Department of Health &Human Services-Peer Recovery $ 495,496
City of Roanoke Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority Funds $ 425,000
Western Virginia Regional Industrial Facility Authority $ _,,__,__,,, __ 25,000
Virginia Housing $ 11r_ 931,569
SERDI Website Administration Contract $r 1,538
RVARC Interest Income $ 40,000
Miscellaneous Income $ ` 2,500
Sponsorships $ 2,000
Blueway Carryover $ 28,000
Regional Bike Carryover $ 7,412
Total Revenues $ 4,707,744
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-39
Plans and Planning Schedules
The Regional Commission maintains a variety of regional plans mandated by the federal and
state governments, as well as several regional studies and documents which have been
generated by local interest. The Commission also staffs the TPO, whose documents will be
included in this section.Most relevant to the goals of this plan are the Long Range Transportation
Plan (LRTP),the Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP), the Rural Long Range Transportation
Plan(Rural LRTP),and the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy document(CEDS).
Together these four documents,in conjunction with this plan,guide significant investment across
the region.
Schedule of Updates:
• CEDS:The CEDS receives an annual review and demographics update,with a full update
and revision every 5 years.The last 5-year update was conducted in 2024.
• LRTP:The LRTP was last approved in 2023.The next update will begin in 2026.
• Rural LRTP: The Rural LRTP was last updated in 2011, and an update is planned to
conclude in 2026.
• TIP:The TIP is approved every four years.The current TIP covers FFY24-27.Updates will
begin on the next TIP in 2026.
The Regional Commission has also historically contributed to stormwater collaboration and water
quality activities throughout the region which can have direct impact on flood resilience.
Specifically, the Regional Commission is currently involved in Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Improvement Plan implementation work in partnership with the Virginia Department of
Environmental Quality.The Commission also coordinates a regional stormwater advisory group
which allows local governments and other entities operating under an MS4 permit to meet and
share information and ideas.
Roanoke Valley Regional Stormwater Management Plan(1997)
All four Roanoke Valley jurisdictions (Roanoke County, Cities of Roanoke and Salem, Town of
Vinton)participated in the development of a stormwater management plan that was coordinated
through the efforts of the Fifth Planning District Commission(Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional
Commission). It offers alternative solutions for both flooding and flash flooding problems.These
alternatives include clearing stream channels,enlarging drainage openings,constructing regional
detention facilities, and flood proofing individual structures. The plan presents a total of 138
individual projects to address flooding in the 16 watersheds.These are ranked in order of priority
within each watershed but no overall ranking within the valley is presented. Cost estimates are
presented for each project, but neither individual project benefits, nor cumulative benefits are
discussed. It would be essential to analyze the benefits of these projects before the plan can be
used as a guideline for specific activities.The identified projects would cost a total of$66 million
in 2001 dollars,not including land acquisition or efforts to flood proof or move over 2,200 buildings.
A formal quantification of the corresponding benefits would go a long way toward justifying this
cost,which can initially seem overwhelming to both citizens and community officials.For example,
the 1997 plan reports that between 1972 and 1992,floods caused over$200 million in damages
in the valley, and resulted in 10 deaths. The plan's Financing Options Report recommends
creation of a regional stormwater utility as a means of funding the identified work.
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-40
Other Factors
The Regional Commission is the primary holder of this plan and issues with capacity or staffing
directly affect the ability to update or maintain the document. Historically, the Commission has
also been a key partner for small localities in applying for mitigation grant funding, either by
providing assistance with the application process or by administering grants. The Commission
also serves as an incubator for regional initiatives.
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-41
5.15 Roanoke Valley Resource Authority
The Roanoke Valley Resource Authority is a solid waste management organization serving the
Roanoke Valley. Member communities include the City of Roanoke, Roanoke County, City of
Salem,and Town of Vinton.
Budget and Staffing Characteristics
The annual revenue for the RVRA totals at$19,116,734 per the adopted FY2026 budget27.They
maintain seven administrative staff positions, including a Director of Community Engagement,a
Director of Operations,and an Operations Manager.
Plans and Planning Schedules
The RVRA maintains an annual budget,a Master Plan that functions as the Capital Improvements
Plan,a Comprehensive Plan,and a Stormwater Management Plan.The plan was last updated in
2025. Any ordinances that cover solid waste are enacted by localities. RVRA does not have
regulatory authority.
Other Factors
The RVRA is primarily a support agency for response to disasters.They operate critical facilities
within the Roanoke Valley. RVRA sees the primary need for mitigation efforts to be better cross-
agency engagement.
27 https://www.rvra.net/135/Annual-Budget
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-42
5.16 Western Virginia Water Authority
The Western Virginia Water Authority provides critical water and sewer services and maintains
and operates infrastructure for many of the communities within this plan,including the counties of
Roanoke,Botetourt,and Craig,the City of Roanoke,and the Towns of New Castle,Fincastle,and
Vinton.
Budget and Staffing Characteristics
The WVWA staffs 309 full-time employees across multiple divisions within the organization.All of
the divisions might be directly or indirectly impacted by mitigation work or disaster events.Staff
members include those with skills in engineering,emergency management,and GIS.The WVWA
revenue in FY2025 was projected at$50.5 million..2B
Plans and Planning Schedules
The WVWA maintains a Master Plan,a Capital Improvements Plan,Emergency Response Plans
for their various treatment facilities,and Emergency Actions Plans for High Hazard Potential Dams
under their ownership. They are all updated annually, and all include mitigation activities.
Ordinances which may impact the operations of the WVWA are controlled by the localities in which
they operate.
Dam Safety
The WVWA operates several dams within the region.Inundation mapping for WVWA-owned dams
is available in Appendix H.As a dam owner,WVWA has listed projects in their mitigation action
plan specific to dam safety.
Other Factors
The WVWA is primarily a support agency for response to disasters,but the Authority is the primary
maintenance agency for two high hazard potential dams in the region. They operate critical
facilities within the region.
https://www.westernvawater.org/about-us/financial-documents-reports/annual-budget
Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-43
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Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment Page 15-44
Chapter 6.Mitigation Goals and Strategies
Goals and strategies are guiding elements which help shape the action plans of the jurisdictions
participating in this planning process.Goals and strategies are housed regionally,emphasizing a
regional approach highlighting partnership and intentional strategy, representative of all
participants.
6.1 Identified Goals
Three goals were identified in the planning process. Goals are broad statements allowing for
establishment of tailored,focused strategy.These are aspirational,vision statements that guide
implementation efforts.
Minimize the loss of life, structures and critical
infrastructure during a disaster, as well as reduce
risk to the built environment and natural resources.
Minimize the economic impact to communities and
the region in the wake of disaster
Minimize impacts to social systems and community
resources following disaster.
Chapter 6:Mitigation Strategies Page 16-1
6.2 Regional Strategies
Strategies are conceptual statements wherein projects can be developed,detailed and executed.
In applying mitigation strategies to the region and participants, a wide range of activities were
considered in order to achieve the goals and to lessen the vulnerability of the area to the impact
of natural hazards.Goals are pursued regardless of financial resources.However,advancement
of identified strategies is largely contingent upon meaningful, sustainable projects relying on
availability and timeliness of non-local funding from a variety of partners and sources.
Strategies are generally organized conceptually around five areas of work,which are:
1. Local Plans and Regulations
2. Structure and Infrastructure Projects
3. Natural Systems Protection and Nature-Based Solutions
4. Education and Awareness Programs
5. Community Safety and Partner Efforts
Strategies were developed by jurisdictions in partnership with VDEM staff.
6.3 All Hazards
Local Plans and Regulations
1. Support local development codes that promote disaster resiliency.
2. Support robust,deliberate emergency operations planning.
3. Pursue opportunities to study,research and plan to build resiliency throughout
communities based on hazard data,new research and concepts.This could include
risk and vulnerability assessments,operational assessments among others.
Structure and Infrastructure Projects
4. Equip and maintain critical facilities and resources with redundant power resources,
such as generators,hookups/quick connects,and battery/solar backups.
5. Assess and develop where practical,loan,grant,or similar programs to support
increased resilience of privately owned facilities,structures and property.
6. Seek opportunities to build resiliency within utilities to reduce impact from all-
hazards.
7. Develop redundancy in water sources and water distribution systems.
8. Establish,sustain and develop dam maintenance and replacement programs to
ensure dam safety,access to water sources and sustainment of natural recreation
areas.
Natural Systems Protection and Nature-based Solutions
9. Integrate regional environmental and natural resources preservation efforts with
hazard mitigation planning.
Education and Awareness Programs
10.Pursue educational programs and outreach activities that promote individual,family
and business safety and resiliency
11.Provide planning resources tailored to business continuity.
Chapter 6:Mitigation Strategies Page 16-2
12.Make home safety and individual preparedness resources available to community
members
13.Participate in special outreach/awareness programs and activities.
14.Seek opportunities to communicate effectively across multiple methods with the
public well in advance of disaster to communicate forecast and preliminary action
steps,including the use of social media and non-emergency alert systems.Ensure
capability to speak with vulnerable communities including non-English speaking
community members and individuals with access and function needs.
Community Safety and Partner Efforts
15.Participate,seek or maintain certification as a"Storm Ready"Community with the
National Weather Service.
16.Improve region-wide interoperability across radio systems.
17.Improve citizen access to emergency reporting mechanisms including but not limited
to 911 and post disaster recovery tools.
18.Pursue, sustain and develop emergency alerting tools that allow emergency services
to alert members of the community through a variety of methods,to impending
emergency,particularly mass notifications systems.
19.Develop, resource and sustain locations,physical and virtual,where whole of
government and community partners may coordinate to respond to the impacts of
hazards.
20.Conduct resiliency assessments of public facilities with an emphasis on critical
infrastructure and utilities.
21.Undertake deliberate research,planning and effort to develop comprehensive,
compliant and innovative debris management programs following all hazards
disasters that generate manageable debris.
22.Support the development of weather reading and monitoring equipment to increase
situational awareness,alert and warning.
23.Support the development and sustainment of Community Emergency Response
Teams(CERT)within localities.
24.Support the maintenance and expansion of locality sheltering locations and
resources.
25.Develop,sustain and support capabilities to shelter pets during disaster.
26.Resource capabilities related to assisting special needs and vulnerable populations.
27.Develop,sustain and support capabilities to conduct family reunification and
assistance.
28.Engage partners to share capability and situation information,pre,during and post
disaster.
29.Develop capabilities to conduct multi-jurisdiction sheltering when applicable.
30.Regularly train first responders,coordinate with regional partners,and ensure clear
post-disaster communication and recovery.
Chapter 6:Mitigation Strategies
Page 6-3
6.4 Earthquake
Education and Awareness Programs
1. Conduct public information activities such as the"Great Shakeout"to provide individuals
with tactics to take when earthquakes strike.
Community Safety and Partner Efforts
2. Engage with subject matter experts to understand the scope and risk to facilities and life
as a result of an earthquake.
3. Develop"critical area"maps based on geotechnical information to identify locations
where damage potential could be high.
4. Engage partners to share capability information.
6.5 Extreme Temperature
Local Plans and Regulations
1. Plan to develop adaptation features to build individual,community and infrastructure
resilience.
Structure and Infrastructure Projects
2. Identify vulnerable structures and implement infrastructure retrofit projects to include
measures that reduce risk to existing utility systems.
3. Consider use of reflective roof coatings,radiant barriers and other tactics to mitigate
heat interaction with structures.
Natural Systems Protection and Nature-based Solutions
4. Increase urban tree cover to mitigate heat island effect.
Education and Awareness Programs
5. Inform community members of the danger of extreme temperature and provide
resources through multiple methods,such as NWS HeatRisk.
Community Safety and Partner Efforts
6. Identify locations and partnerships that create opportunity for community members to
seek reprieve from extreme temperatures.
Chapter 6:Mitigation Strategies Page 16-4
6.6 Flooding
Local Plans and Regulations
1. Encourage a comprehensive approach to floodplain management
2. Support programs that update FEMA's Flood Insurance Rate Maps(FIRM).Consider
participation in FEMA's Cooperating Technical Partners(CTP)program that establishes
partners with local jurisdictions to develop and maintain up-to-date flood maps.
3. Participate in FEMA's Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps(DFIRM)program.
4. Support FIRM remapping projects that address flood prone areas in the region
5. Maintain an accurate database and map of repetitive loss properties
a. Localities will work with RVARC,VDEM and FEMA to update list of repetitive loss
properties annually.
b. Localities will obtain updated list of repetitive loss properties annually from
VDEM/FEMA.
c. Localities will review property addresses for accuracy and make necessary
corrections.
d. Localities will determine if and by what means each property has been mitigated.
e. Localities will map properties to show general site locations(not parcel specific in
order to maintain anonymity of the property owners).
f. Localities will determine if properties have been mitigated and inform
FEMANDEM through submission of an updated list/database and mapping.
6. Participate in,and remain in good standing with the NFIP,in accordance with NFIP
regulatory requirements including:
a. Adoption of the NFIP minimum floodplain management criteria via local
regulation;
b. Adoption of the latest effective Flood Insurance Rate Map(FIRM),when
applicable;
c. Implementation and enforcement of local floodplain management regulations to
regulate and permit development in SFHAs;
d. Appointment of a designee or organization to implement the commitments and
requirements of the NFIP;
e. Implementation of the substantial improvement/damage provisions of their
floodplain management regulations after an event,as applicable.
7. Strengthen and support the insurance aspects of the NFIP through participation in
relevant programs,such as the Community Rating System.
8. Work to reduce flood damage to insurable property.
9. Develop,support and sustain Stormwater Management Plans,such as the Roanoke
Valley Regional Stormwater Master Plan.
a. Explore the number of watersheds studied in the Roanoke Valley Regional
Stormwater Master Plan,consider expanding the number of inclusions as
appropriate and develop watershed plans for each.
Structure and Infrastructure Projects
10.In cooperation with local governments,utilize GIS tools to inventory at risk infrastructure
and public and private structures within flood prone areas.
Chapter 6:Mitigation Strategies Page 6-5
11.Support local and state transportation projects that call for improved ditching,
replacement of inadequate and undersized culverts,enlargements of bridge openings,
drainage piping and other physical work needed to minimize flooding.
12.Pursue the acquisition of residential and commercial property in floodplains with an
emphasis on repetitive loss properties.
13.Support structural elevation projects where buildings can be safely elevated to avoid loss
or damage during flood events.
14.Seek opportunities to floodproof structures.
15.Pursue acquisition of elevation certificates for flood prone properties.
Natural Systems Protection and Nature-based Solutions
16.Consider seeking funding to prepare site-specific hydrologic and hydraulic studies that
look at areas that have chronic and repetitive flooding problems.
17.Consider increasing conveyance standard to handle more intense precipitation,while
avoiding streambank erosion.
18.Pursue opportunities to utilize pervious hard surfaces when possible.
19.Pursue opportunities to stabilize soil along river,creek and stream banks to prevent
undercutting roads and other facilities.
20.Promote green infrastructure to prevent flooding,manage excess runoff and increase
filtration.
21.Promote the use of green roofs and rainwater harvesting systems
22.Restore and protect riparian areas.
23.Restore waterways that have been covered or buried due to natural conditions.
24.Protect and restore wetlands,forests,and other natural buffers to reduce storm surge
and flooding impacts.
Education and Awareness Programs
25.Enhance pre-disaster community situational awareness of flood hazards and hazard
prone locations,by cooperating with all relevant partners to support a comprehensive
public information and education program on all aspects of preparedness related to
flooding.Tools such as the FloodView App(2025)provide information and resources
supporting this strategy.
Community Safety and Partner Efforts
26.Provide early flood warning
a. Identify target areas for monitoring,including flood prone areas,streams and
rivers to provide advance warning for downstream impacts.
b. Identify,acquire and maintain equipment that will perform required monitoring for
specific locations and needs.Ensure equipment is appropriately supported and
networked to enhance data coordination and empower early warning.
c. Configure systems and tools that monitor water levels and flooding conditions to
support data and early warning interoperability with organizations that have
responsibility to provide alerts,store,and monitor data. Ensure sustainment of
these systems and data interoperability.
Chapter 6:Mitigation Strategies Page 16-6
6.7 Geologic Hazards
Local Plans and Regulations
1. Develop,sustain and enforce,as appropriate,steep slope ordinances/guidelines for
development in steep slope/marginal soils areas.
Education and Awareness Programs
2. Develop an education and awareness program for home,land and business owners,to
inform life and property safety measures on an individual basis,as well as financial
considerations associated with geologic hazards.
Community Safety and Partner Efforts
3. Encourage the delineation of karst areas and areas susceptible to sinkholes through a
cooperative effort with the Virginia Karst Mapping Project,Virginia Speleological Survey,
and Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation(Virginia Cave Board).
4. Encourage the delineation of susceptible areas and different types of landslide hazards
at a scale useful for planning and decision-making,led by USGS and State geological
surveys.
5. Work with state and Federal agencies to develop data that will assist in reducing and
eliminating impacts from landslides.
6.8 Wind
Local Plans and Regulations
1. Promote building codes and retrofitting practices that enhance wind resistance for
homes,utilities,and critical facilities.
Structure and Infrastructure Projects
2. Identify vulnerable structures and implement infrastructure retrofit projects to include
measures that reduce risk to existing utility systems.
3. Identify,maintain,and publicize designated tornado shelters,and encourage safe room
installation in schools,public buildings,and homes.
Natural Systems Protection and Nature-based Solutions
4. Research and install landscape mitigation for strategic planting of trees and hedge rows.
5. Conduct pre-storm tree assessments and pruning to help minimize wind born debris and
protect infrastructure.
Education and Awareness Programs
6. In cooperation with Federal and State governments,support a comprehensive public
information and education program on wind hazards,including straight line winds,
tornados and thunderstorm winds.This can be accomplished through regional
workshops and educational materials for citizens,business,local staff,and elected
officials.
Chapter 6:Mitigation Strategies Pagel 6-7
7. Strengthen community access to NOAA Weather Radio,mobile alerts,and local
emergency notifications to ensure residents receive timely tornado warnings.
8. Support school level preparedness activities including tornado drills.
Community Safety and Partner Efforts
9. Strengthen operational coordination relationships with utility providers to coordinate and
collaboratively support the community following disaster related impacts.
6.9 Wildfire
Structure and Infrastructure Projects
1. Encourage residents and developers to use NFPA Firewise USA TM building design,
siting,and materials for construction.
2. Continue to support domestic water line infrastructure into communities who currently
operate off well water.
Natural Systems Protection and Nature-based Solutions
3. Create Defensible Space—implement perimeters around homes,structures,and critical
facilities through the removal or reduction of flammable vegetation.
4. Continue to utilize the Va. Dept.of Forestry"Dry-Hydrant"program to support access to
private water sources
Community Safety and Partner Efforts
5. Identify buildings or locations vital to the emergency response effort and buildings or
locations that, if damaged,would create secondary disasters in forested areas.
6. Encourage VDOF to continue its Community Wildfire Assessments.
6.10 Winter Storm
Structure and Infrastructure Projects
1. Implement pavement temperature sensors to increase real-time planning,execution and
public information efforts.
Chapter 6:Mitigation Strategies Page 16-8
Chapter 7.Mitigation Action Plans
7.1 Project Development and Prioritization
This section contains the mitigation action plans of each participating jurisdiction within the plan.
Projects in this section are prioritized as high, medium, or low priority. Prioritization of projects
was based on the benefit-to-cost and the strategy's potential to mitigate the impact from natural
hazards in line with long term planning efforts.
The anticipated level of cost effectiveness of each measure was a primary consideration when
developing the list of proposed projects.Reduced damages over the lifespan of the projects,the
benefits, are likely to be greater than the project cost in all cases.Although detailed cost and
benefit analysis was not conducted during the mitigation action development process, these
factors were of primary concern when prioritizing the proposed projects.
Additionally, if a project was already clearly scoped in an existing plan, that project was given
higher priority.Consideration was also given to availability of funding,the department or agency
responsible for implementation,and the ability of the locality to implement the project.Under each
identified project, applicable participant departments will be the lead in making sure that each
project or action will be implemented in a timely manner by coordinating with other departments,
other participant representatives and/or other regional agencies.
The timeline of anticipated project execution is categorized as short,medium,or long term.Short
term projects are projects where work is likely to begin in the next two years.Medium term projects
are likely to begin within four years.Long term projects are a five year or longer planning horizon,
and may carry into future plan iterations.When projects repeat from year to year,this will also be
noted.When a project has been completed,canceled, or rescoped the timeline will be noted as
none(nla)excepting when more specific data was collected. Future project tracking will improve
under the new annual review process and in future iterations of this document(see Chapter 1).
Project status is defined here using the following descriptors:
• complete: Projects from previous years which are completed.
• Ongoing: Projects which have been completed but which require maintenance at regular
intervals,often annually.
• In Progress: Projects currently in progress.
• Scopinq: Projects undergoing preliminary work necessary to begin implementation.
• Not Started: Projects which are scoped but for which work has not begun.
• On Hold: Projects currently experiencing blocks or barriers to completion but which are
still planned for completion.
• Rescoped: Projects which have been rescoped from a previous plan — this is noted
predominantly for continuance between the 2019 plan and this document. Rescoped
projects may have been moved to the Regional Commission project list when appropriate
or been eliminated due to lack of specificity or clarity.
• Not Completed:Projects which met unavoidable barriers and which will not be included in
future plans.
For more information about each locality, including active mitigation programs and ordinances,
please see Chapter 5:Capabilities Assessment.
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-1
7.2 Allegheny County
The mitigation actions contained in this section also cover mitigation actions for the Town of Iron Gate.
Date
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/Lead Added Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Agency to Plan Status Schedule
Removal of
households from
flood hazard areas;
Acquisition of reduce repetitive FEMA, Local government,
flood prone loss;reduce loss of VDEM,Local Engineering&Building
properties Flooding Life and property Unknown High government Inspections 2019 COMPLETE Ongoing
Improved
coordination among
Communication jurisdictions;
equipment All improved response FEMA,Local
interoperability hazards times $7,000,000 High government Local government 2019 COMPLETE Ongoing
Encourage
residents and
developers to use
Fire-Wise building
design,siting,and Reduction in
materials for damages from VDOF,Local
construction Wildfire wildfire $5,000 Medium governments Local governments 2019 COMPLETE N/A
Determine the
need for Ensure that
generators at emergency facilities
public emergency All can be operational FEMA,Local
facilities Hazards during hazard events Unknown Medium government Local government 2019 COMPLETE N/A
Chapter 7 Mitigation Action Plans Page 7-2
Date
Cost Funding Implementation/Lead Added Proposed
Hazard to Plan Status Schedule
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Agency
Reduction of future
flood damage
through enforcement
Participate in,and of floodplain
remain in good ordinances and
standing with,the availability of
National Flood discounted flood
Insurance insurance for
Program(NFIP) Flooding property owners N/A High FEMA Local government 2019 COMPLETE N/A
Reduction of Loss to
wildfire,through
collaborative
Community assessments and
wildfire tailored mitigation VDOF,USFS,
assessments Wildfire action $25,000 Medium Public Safety Public Safety 2019 In Progress Ongoing
Identify areas with Improved early
recurring flood warning of flooding;
problems and ensure that these
request additional areas are adequately Short
stream/rain covered and
gauges Flooding monitored $12,500 Medium FEMA,VDEM RVARC 2019 In progress Term
County,
CSB,
Schools,
VDEM
Shelter
Upgrade
Grant,
Grantor with
Ensure that an
Install Generators emergency facilities appropriate Public Safety,Public
Works,General Short
at emergency All can be operational grant2025 In Progress Term
facilities Hazards during hazard events $75,000(ea) Medium program Services g
Page I 7-3
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans
Date
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/Lead Added Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Agency to Plan Status Schedule
Evaluation of county
owned critical
facilities and public
utilities for
Evaluate critical retrofitting or flood-
facilities and proofing to prevent
public utilities for failure during FEMA,Local Public Works/General Medium
flood-proofing Flooding disasters $250,000 Medium government Services 2019 Scoping Term
All
Hazards County,
Hazardous that result Evaluate risk and Grantor with
Materials Risk in community safety an
Assessment and Hazardous information for appropriate
Education Materials Hazardous Materials grant Long
Program Release Release $25,000 High program Public Safety 2025 Scoping Term
Identify areas that
warrant site-
specific
hydrologic and County,
hydraulic studies Possible Grantor with
emphasizing determination of an
chronic and solutions to Cost appropriate
repetitive flooding repetitive loss Pending grant Community Long
problems Flooding properties. Scoping Medium program Development 2019 Scoping Term
Identify buildings
or locations vital
to the emergency
response effort
and buildings or VA Dept.of
locations that,if Available inventory of Forestry,US
damaged,would structures that need Forest
create secondary additional or unique Service,
disasters in protection from Local Long
forested areas Wildfire wildfires. $10,000 Medium governments Co Public Safety 2019 Not Started Term
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-4
Date
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/Lead Added Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Agency to Plan Status Schedule
Review of
development codes
to evaluate need for
changes that would
Local codes All improve disaster FEMA,Local Long
review hazards mitigation $10,000 Medium government 2019 Not Started Term
Continue Increased accuracy
participation in of flood hazard areas
FEMA DFIRM through sharing of FEMA,Local
program Flooding local knowledge $10,000 Medium government Local government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Inventory of flood
prone roadways for FEMA,
Develop and planning purposes VDEM,
maintain an (road improvements, RVARC,
inventory of flood limitation of VDOT,Local
prone roadways Flooding development) $25,000 Medium government RVARC 2019 Rescoped N/A
Maintain an
accurate Identification of
database and repetitive loss
map of repetitive properties that Local government,
loss properties Flooding should be mitigated Unknown High FEMA,VDEM RVARC,VDEM 2019 Rescoped N/A
------------
Inform public about FEMA,
All hazards and VDEM,Local
Public Education hazards mitigation options $25,000 High governments Local government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Increased accuracy
of flood hazard areas
Support FIRM re- through sharing of FEMA,Local
mapping projects Flooding local knowledge Unknown Medium government Local government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Clear debris and
Support Virginia repair banks to
Department of prevent backup,
Transportation erosion and flooding
projects that of existing drainage FEMA, Local government or
minimize flooding Flooding systems $500,000 Medium VDEM,VDOT VDOT 2019 Rescoped N/A
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-5
7.3 City of Covington
Date
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/ Added to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Lead Agency Plan Status Schedule
Reduction of future
flood damage
through
enforcement of
Participate in,and floodplain
remain in good ordinances and
standing with,the availability of
National Flood discounted flood
Insurance insurance for
Program(NFIP) Flooding property owners N/A High FEMA Local government 2019 COMPLETE N/A
Elevation of
Structures-City City&Local
Pool and Reduced damages Foundation
Playground Flooding and repair costs $100,000 Medium Grant Local Government 2019 COMPLETE 2016
Drainage
Improvements— VDEM/
Craig Avenue and Reduced damages FEMA/
Royal Avenue Flooding and repair costs $500,000 High LOCAL GOVT Local Government 2019 COMPLETE 2020-22
Drainage
improvements-
West Jackson Reduced damages VDEM/FEMA
Street Area Flooding and repair costs $600,000 High /Local Govt Local government 2019 COMPLETE 2020-22
Drainage
Improvements-
Parrish Court,
Marshall Street,
and Rayon View Reduced damages VDEM/FEMA
Area Flooding and repair costs $500,000 High /Local Govt Local government 2019 COMPLETE 2020-22
Add flow Provide better,more
monitoring timely information to
equipment to public works to
locality water identify system City,I&I Short
system flooding anomalies —$100,000 High Grant Public Works 2025 In Progress Term
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-6
Date
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/ Added to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Lead Agency Plan Status Schedule
All
Mobile Generator Hazards Continue to operate
Acquisition with generating wastewater pump Development
Quick Connects power stations during Services/Public Short
on Pump Stations outage power outage $100,000 High City Works 2025 In Progress Term
Evaluate the
facilities and install
All appropriate
Hazards generating
generating equipment and
Add/Replace power controls to allow City/Grantor
Generators at Fire outage, them to be better with an Development
Station,City Hall, Extreme utilized during appropriate Services/Public
Emergency Temperatu disasters and severe -$220,000 grant Works/Emergency Short
Shelter Locations re events + High program Management 2019 Scoping Term
Improved
coordination
Joint between responders City PD/Alleghany
Communications and response Public Safety/
Center with All records between -$10,000,0 City,County, Alleghany Sheriff's Medium
Alleghany Co Hazards both jurisdictions 00 High VDEM(NGS) Office 2025 Scoping Term
City,VDOT,
Grantor with
an
Study potential of Apporpriate
Landslide on 220 Geologic Prevent impact of Grant
at Town Hill Hazards landslide into 220 $100,000 High Program Public Works 2025 Not Started Long Term
City,Grantor
Mitigate flow in the with an
area that could be appropriate
Study former Geologic the cause of sink grant
water line work Hazards hole $50,000 Low program Public Works 2025 Not Started Long Term
Chapter 7 Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-7
Date
Hazard
Cost Funding Implementation/ Added to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Lead Agency Plan Status Schedule
Reduced Damage
and repair costs;
access and
Drainage response between Development
Improvements: areas of the City City,Post Services/Public
Chestnut& during moderate or
Helene Works/Emergency Medium
Monroe ST Flooding greater rainfall $7,000,000 High Mitigation Management 2025 On Hold Term
Better and more
timely weather
information will
allow first
responders to make
better decision
The upgrading of about actions to
the present
take,evacuations, City,Grantor
weather terminal Alt and the possibility of with an
at the Covington Weather flooding and other appropriate Emergency
EOC Hazards severe weather $10,000 High grant Management 2019 On Hold Long Term
Improved
coordination
Communications between City, VDEM/FEMA
Equipment AU County,and State
Interoperability Hazards responders $325,000 High /Local Govt Local Government 2019 Rescoped n/a
Removal of
households from
flood hazard areas; Local government,
Acquisition of reduce repetitive FEMA, Engineering&
flood prone loss;reduce loss of VDEM,Local Building
properties Flooding life and property Unknown High governments Inspections 2019 Rescoped n/a
Maintain an
accurate database Identification of
and map of repetitive loss
repetitive loss properties that Local government,
properties Flooding should be mitigated Unknown High FEMA,VDEM RVARC,VDEM 2019 Rescoped N/A
Page I 7-8
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans
Date
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/ Added to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Lead Agency Plan Status Schedule
Elevation
Certificates for
residential,
business,and
critical facilities.
Increased accuracy
Additional Hazard of hazard mitigation VDEM/FEMA
Field Data Flooding planning $25,000 Medium /Local Govt Local government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Removal of
structures from
Structure flood hazard areas;
Acquisition- reduce repetitive
residential and loss;reduce the loss VDEM/FEMA
commercial Flooding of life and property $3,800,000 Medium /Local Govt Local government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Inform public about FEMA,
All hazards and VDEM,Local
Public Education hazards mitigation options $25,000 High governments Local government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Evaluation of public
utilities for
retrofitting or flood
proofing to prevent
Evaluate Public failures and lessen
Utilities for Flood damages during VDEM/FEMA
Proofing Flooding disasters $25,000 High /Local Govt Local government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Reduction in flood
insurance rates;
Local code and All reduction in flood VDEM/FEMA
regulation review Hazards losses $2,500 Medium /Local Govt Local government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-9
Date
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/ Added to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Lead Agency Plan Status Schedule
Evaluate the
facilities and install
appropriate
generating
Add/Replace equipment and
Generators at controls to allow
emergency them to be better
facilities,public utilized during
utilities,and City All disasters and severe VDEM/FEMA
Hall Hazards events $220,000 High /Local Govt Local government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Provide bettter,
more timely
information to allow
Add local IFLOWS faster,more
monitoring and accurate warnings to
additional stream be issued to the VDEM/FEMA
guages Flooding public $18,500 Medium /LocalGovt Local government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-10
7.4 Town of Clifton Forge
Date
Hazard Funding Implementation/Lead Added to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Cost Priority Partners Agency Nan Status Schedule
Improved FEMA,Local
Communications Communication Local Government,Police
Plan AU Hazards and Response $5,000 High Government Department 2019_ COMPLETE N/A
Reduction of
future flood
damage
through
enforcement of
Participate in, floodplain
and remain in ordinances and
good standing availability of
with,the discounted
National Flood flood insurance
Insurance for property
Program(NFIP) Flooding owners N/A High FEMA Local government 2019 COMPLETE N/A
Inform public
about hazards Local government,
and mitigation FEMA,Local Community
Public Education AU Hazards options $25,000 High government Development 2019 COMPLETE N/A
Determine the Ensure that
need for emergency
generators at facilities can be
public operational
emergency during hazard FEMA,Local Local government,
facilities All hazards events $250,000 Medium government Public Works 2019 COMPLETE 2013
Identify Hazards
Local Flood associated with VA Soil and Water
LProfile Flood Darn Safety $100,000 High USDA Conservation Board 2019 COMPLETE 2014-15
Chapter 7 Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-11
Date
Hazard Funding Implementation/Lead Added to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Cost Priority Partners Agency Plan Status Schedule
Improved
coordination
among
Communication jurisdictions:
equipment improved FEMA,Local Local government, Current/
interoperability All hazards response times $1,000,000 High government Police Department 2019 COMPLETE Ongoing
Reduction of
loss to wildfire,
through
collaborative
assessments
Community and tailored
wildfire mitigation VDOF,USFS,
assessments Wildfire action $25,000 Medium Public Safety Public Safety 2019 In Progress Ongoing
Create
situational
awareness
related to
assets,problem
Update and areas and
Develop Town special Local
Specific GIS functions of the $15,000- Government, Local Government, Short
Layer All-Hazards town. $25,000 High Virginia Tech Community Planning 2019 In Progress Term
Review of
development
codes to
evaluate need
for changes that Local government,
would improve Community
Local codes disaster Development, Short
review All hazards mitigation $10,000 Medium Town Building Official 2019 In Progress Term
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-12
Date
Hazard Funding Implementation/Lead Added to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Cost Priority Partners Agency Plan Status Schedule
Identify buildings
or locations vital
to the emergency
response effort Available
and buildings or inventory of VA Dept.of
locations that,if structures that Forestry,US
damaged,would need additional Forest
create secondary or unique Service,
disasters in protection from Local Local government, Medium
forested areas Wildfire wildfires. $10,000 Medium governments VDOF,USFS 2019 Not Started Term
Conduct a town-
wide study
Identify Geologic Increased
Hazard Areas, situational FEMA,Local
and appropriate Earthquake, awareness and Government,
mitigation Geologic planning Local Community Medium
actions Hazards capability $75,000 Medium Government Development 2025 Not Started Term
Protection of VA Dept of
Water Reservoir Town Water 1 Health, Local Government,VA Medium
Hazard Plan All Hazards Supply $125,000 High FEMA Department of Health 2019 Not Started Term
Stream Bed Identify Repairs RWA,Local Local Government Long
Survey Flood Required $25,000 Medium Government Public Works 2019 Not Started Term
Increased
awareness and
planning
capability to Town,
decrease loss Grantor with
All Hazards of life,property an
Hazardous resulting in and enhance appropriate
Materials HAZMAT response $15,000- grant Emergency Services, Long
Planning release resources. $25,000 High program Railroads,VDOT 2025 Not Started Term
Town Mapping by
Degree of Identify Local
Urgency Flooding Problem Areas $25,000 Medium government Local government 2019 Rescoped WA
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-13
Date
Hazard Funding Implementation/Lead Added to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Cost Priority Partners Agency Plan Status Schedule
Maintain an Identification of
accurate repetitive loss
database and properties that
map of repetitive should be Local government,
loss properties Flooding mitigated Unknown High FEMA,VDEM RVARC,VDEM 2019 Rescoped N/A
Identify areas Improved early
with recurring warning of
flood problems flooding;ensure
and request that these areas
additional IFLOW are adequately
stream/rain covered and Local Government,
gauges Flooding monitored $12,500 Medium FEMA,VDEM Public Works,RVARC 2019 Rescoped N/A
Increased
accuracy of
Continue flood hazard
participation in areas through
FEMA DFIRM sharing of local FEMA,Local
program Flooding knowledge $10,000 Medium government Local government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Increased
accuracy of
flood hazard
Support FIRM re- areas through
mapping sharing of local FEMA,Local
projects Flooding knowledge Unknown High government Local government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Encourage
residents and
developers to
use Fire-Wise
building design,
siting,and Reduction in
materials for damages from VDOF,Local Local government,
construction Wildfire wildfire $5,000 Medium governments building official 2019 Rescoped N/A
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-14
Date
Hazard Funding Implementation/Lead Added to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Cost Priority Partners Agency Plan Status Schedule
Clear debris
and repair
banks to
prevent backup,
erosion and
Support local flooding of
street projects existing
that minimize drainage Local government,
flooding Flooding systems $500,000 Medium FEMA,VDEM Public Works 2019 Rescoped N/A
Evaluation of
critical facilities
and public
utilities for
Evaluate critical retrofitting or
facilities and flood-proofing
public utilities to prevent FEMA,Local Local government,
for flood proofing Flooding future disasters $25,000 Medium government Public Works 2019 Rescoped N/A
FEMA,Local
Geologic Government,
Identify Geologic Hazards, Local Community
Hazard Areas Earthquake Identify Hazards $75,000 Medium government Development 2019 Rescoped N/A
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-15
7.5 Botetourt County
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/Lead Date Added to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Agency Plan Status Schedule
Community is
better
prepared FEMA,
Participate in the through VDEM,NWS,
"StormReady" All planning and local
program Hazards education $1,000 Medium governments Local government 2025 COMPLETE Ongoing
Reduced loss
through FEMA,
Community improved VDEM,ODP,
notification All warning Local Local government,
system hazards system $55,000 Low Government ESC,Sheriff Dept. 2019 COMPLETE Ongoing
Obtain more up- Increased
to-date and information for
comprehensive All better incident Local
GIS system hazards response $350,000 High Government LocalGovemment 2019 COMPLETE NIA
Reduction of
future flood
damage
through
enforcement
of floodplain
Participate in, ordinances
and remain in and availability
good standing of discounted
with,the flood
National Flood insurance for
Insurance property
Program(NAP) Flooding owners N/A High FEMA Local government 2019 COMPLETE N/A
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-16
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/Lead Date Added to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Agency Plan Status Schedule
Evaluation of
critical
facilities and
public utilities
for retrofitting
or flood-
proofing to
prevent failure
during
disasters,
particularly
emergency
Evaluate critical services
facilities and facilities
public utilities located in
for flood- flood hazard FEMA,Local Short
proofing Flooding areas. $50,000 Medium government Local government 2019 In Progress Term
Improved
coordination
among
jurisdictions;
Communication improved
equipment All response FEMA,Local Local government, Short
interoperability hazards times $250,000 High government ESC,Sheriff Dept. 2019 In Progress Term
Preparation for
assisting
special needs
Identification populations to
and tracking of prevent loss of
special needs All life and Local Short
populations hazards property $25,000 Medium government Local government 2019 In Progress_Term
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-17
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/Lead Date Added to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Agency Plan Status Schedule
Identification
and installation
of generator
quick-connect
locations for
critical public All
service facilities, Hazards Continuity of
shelter facilities, resulting critical
and other critical in power services during FEMA, Short
infrastructure outage disasters $200,000 High VDEM,Local Local government 2019 In Progress Term
Would allow
deployment of
generator to
critical
Obtain portable All infrastructure
generators to be Hazards when power
used on various resulting fails to certain
infrastructure in power facilities,to
components as outage, include
needed during including mountain Local Short
incidents wildfire tower sites $180,000 Medium Government Local Government 2019 In Progress Term
Development
of a water and
flooding
common
operating
Installation and picture
Maintenance of supporting Local
River and early warning Government, BotetourtCounty
Precipitation and situational HMGP: Emergency Short
Gauges Flood awareness $70,000 High Helene Management 2025 In Progress Term
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-18
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/Lead Date Added to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Agency Plan Status Schedule
Creation of a
Capital new dispatch
Improvement center to
Project for new address new
Daleville Fire development
Station/Dispatch All in Daleville Local Medium
Center Hazards area. $2,600,000 High government Local government 2025 In Progress Term
Due to
increased
consequential
development
in the
community
and land
disturbance,
inspectors will
have
Landslide and increased County,
Geologic perspective Grantor with
Hazards Training and an
for land consideration appropriate
disturbance Geological for these types grant Community Medium
inspectors Hazards of hazards $5,000 Low program Development 2025 Scoping Term
SHSP,Other
Expand emergency
capability to management
Development of operate grant BotetourtCounty
Sheltering All- shelters within sources as Emergency Medium
Resource Cache Hazards the County $50,000 High available Management 2025 On Hold Term
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-19
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/Lead Date Added to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Agency Plan Status Schedule
Allow for
Construct an central
Emergency location to
Operations coordinate all
Center for use response and
during disasters recovery
to support resources
response and All during and Local Long
recovery efforts hazards after an event. $1,000,000 Medium Government Local Government 2019 On Hold Term
Inventory of
flood prone
roadways for
planning
Develop and purposes FEMA,
maintain an (road VDEM,
inventory of improvements, RVARC,
flood prone limitation of VDOT,Local
roadways Flooding development) $25,000 Medium government RVARC 2019 Rescoped WA
Maintain an Identification
accurate of repetitive
database and loss properties
map of repetitive that should be Local government,
loss properties Flooding mitigated Unknown High FEMA,VDEM RVARC,VDEM 2019 Rescoped N/A
Inform public
about hazard FEMA,
All mitigation VDEM,Local
Public Education Hazards option $5,000 High government Local government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Public education Public
workshops for informed
tornado drills about how to
(public, protect
businesses,and yourself during Local
schools) Tornado a tornado $5,000 Medium governmnet Local government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-20
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/Lead Date Added to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Agency Plan Status Schedule
Evaluate and
Participate in
FEMA's
Cooperating Continuing
Technical updates to
Partners flood hazard FEMA,Local
Program Flooding maps $15,000 High government Local government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Review of
developent
codes to
evaluate need
for changes
that would
improve Local govermmnet,
Local codes All disaster FEMA,Local Emergency Services,
review Hazards mitigation $50,000 Medium government Planning Departments 2019 Rescoped N/A
Chapter 7 Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-21
7.6 Town of Buchanan
Several projects from the 2019 plan are currently listed as not completed in this document.This is due to staff changes at the Town
and County which have resulted in lost progress and information,and to the nature of the projects,which must be executed by VDOT.
Towns in Virginia do not own or maintain their own roadways.
Date
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/LeadAdded Propos •
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Agency to Plan Status Schedut
Evaluation of public utilities for FEMA,
Evaluate public utilities for retrofitting or floodproofing to Local Local government,
floodproofing Flooding prevent failure during disasters$10,000 High government Public Works Dept 2019 COMPLETE Ongoing
Town, and
Grantor
with an
Acquire and demolish derelict Reduction of derelict appropriate
property in the floodplain structures within the flood grant Long
through local program Flooding plain Unknown Low program Town Manager 2025 Not Started Term
Elevation of the Water St Pump
Station, Pump replacement,
movement of sewer line under Continuation of sewer service Town Water System Medium
the river Flooding during disasters $1,800,000 High DEQ,Town Operator 2025 In Progress Term
FEMA,
Evaluate effectiveness of Flood Elimination of street,business VDEM,
Wall to protect Lowe Street and and residential flooding Local Short
Main Street Flooding downtown Unknown High government Local government 2025 Not Started Term
Town,
County,
Elevate Parkway Dr from Main Grantor Long
St to Quarry Flooding Elevate Parkway Dr. $1,000,000 Medium with an Town Manager 2025 Scoping Term
appropriate
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-22
Date
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/LeadlIdded Propos •
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Agency to Plan Status Schedul-
grant
program
Study landslide, karst and Town,
wildfire risk associated with Grantor
Study residential and residential and agricultural with an
agricultural property existing in Geologic property existing in steep slope appropriate
steep slope areas to identify Hazards, areas to identify mitigation grant Short
mitigation solutions Wildfire solutions $50,000 Medium program Town Manager 2019 Scoping Term
Plan Buchanan Library and Extreme Development of a redundant
elementary school as a backup Temperature, location for local emergency Town, County Emergency Long
area shelter and POD. Wind,Winter sheltering $5,000 Medium County Manager 2025 In Progress Term
Identification and installation
of generator quick-connect
locations for critical public FEMA,
service facilities, shelterAll Hazards VDEM, Botetourt Co
facilities, and other critical resulting in Continuity of critical services Local Emergency Short
infrastructure power outage during disasters $200,000 High government Management 2019 In Progress Term
Reduction of future flood
damage through
enforcement of floodplain
Participate in, and remain in ordinances and availability FEMA,
good standing with, the of discounted flood VDEM,
National Flood Insurance insurance for property Local
Program(NFIP) Flooding owners $2,500 High government Local Government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Chapter 7 Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-23
Date
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/Leadrldded Propose•
•roject Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Agency to Plan Status Schedul-
FEMA,
Maintain an accurate database Identification of repetitive VDEM,
and map of repetitive loss loss properties that should Local
properties Flooding be mitigated $2,500 High government Local Government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Review of development FEMA,
codes to evaluate need for VDEM,
changes that would Local
Local Code Review All Hazards improve disaster mitigation $5,000 High government Local Government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Identification of appropriate FEMA,
properties for acquisition VDEM,
and/or elevation out of flood Local
area Flooding Reduction of flood loss Unknown Low government Local Government 2019 COMPLETE N/A
FEMA,
VDEM,
Inform public about hazards Local
Public education All Hazards and mitigation options $5,000 High government Local Government 2019 Rescoped N/A
FEMA,
Protection of the Town Sewage VDEM,
Treatment Plan on Parkway Continuation of sewer service Local Not
Drive Flooding during disasters Unknown High government Local Government 2019 Completed N/A
FEMA,
VDEM,
Protection of the Town Lift Continuation of sewer service Local Not
Station on Parkway Drive Flooding during disasters Unknown High government Local Government 2019 Completed N/A
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-24
Date
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/Lead Added Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Agency to Plan Status Schedule
FEMA,
Mitigation of culvert at DEM,
intersection of 19th Street and Elimination of street and Local Not
New Town Road flooding business flooding Unknown High government Local Government 2019 Completed N/A
FEMA,
DEM,
Mitigation of culvert at Main Elimination of street and Local Not
Street and 19th Street Flooding business flooding Unknown !High :overnmentLocal Government 2019 Completed N/A
FEMA,
Mitigation of culvert between Elimination of street,business VDEM,
Main Street and Lowe Stree and residential floodin_a Local Not
near Alley Flooding downtown Unknown High government Local Government 2019 Completed N/A
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-25
7.7 Town of Fincastle
Date
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/Lead Added Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Agency to Plan Status Schedule
Have a portable
generator to support 2
town wells and the
WWTP,upon which
All Hazards quick connects will be
generating installed.Available Town,County,
Procure Power resource for the VDEM Hazard
Trailer Drawn Outage,i.e. Ventilator Dependent Mitigation,
Generator Flood,Wind, Skilled Nursing Facility FEMA Post
and Install Winter, located within the Disaster Town Manager,
Quick Extreme town,in the event of Mitigation Grant County Emergency In Short
Connects Temperature extreme temperatures. $210,000 High (Helene) Manager 2025 Progress Term
Town,County,
Available
Grantors with
Study public utilities for appropriate
Evaluate retrofitting or grant programs,
public floodproofing to when scope of
utilities for prevent failure during work is Short
floodproofing Flooding disasters $10,000 High developed Town Council 2025 Scoping Term
All Hazards
generating Town,County,
power Study to determine Available
Study outage, flood risk,power failure Grantors with
vulnerability Flooding, and resiliency,slope appropriate
of the Geologic stability,road access, grant programs,
Wastewater Hazards, defensible space and when scope of
Treatment Wildfire, security measures at work is Not Medium
plant Earthquake WWTP $50,000 Medium developed Town Council 2025 Started Term
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-26
Date
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/Lead Added Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Agency to Plan Status Schedule
Town,County,
Determine course of VDOT,Available
action and cost to Grantors with
restore the banks of appropriate
Study. Town Branch to grant programs,
Stream Bank minimize flooding in when scope of
Restoration- the low lying area of work is Not Medium
Town Branch Flooding Roanoke Rd $50,000 Low developed Town Council 2025 Started Term
Review of development
codes to evaluate need
for changes that would FEMA,VDEM,
Local Code improve disaster Local
Review All Hazards mitigation $5,000 High government Local Government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Participate
in,and
remain in
good Reduction of future
standing flood damage through
with,the enforcement of
National floodplain ordinances
Flood and availability of
Insurance discounted flood FEMA.VDEM,
Program insurance for property Local
(NFIP) Flooding owners $2,500 High government Local Government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Maintain an
accurate
database
and map of Identification of
repetitive repetitive loss FEMA,VDEM,
loss properties that should Local
properties Flooding be mitigated $2,500 High government Local Government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-27
Date
Hazard Cost Funding implementation/Lead Added Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Agency to Plan Status Schedule
Identification
of
appropriate
properties
for
acquisition
and/or FEMA,VDEM,
elevation out Local
of flood area Flooding Reduction of flood loss Unknown Low government Local Government 2019 Rescoped NIA
Inform public about FEMA,VDEM,
Public hazards and mitigation Local
education All Hazards options $5,000 High govemment Local Government 2019 Rescoped WA
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-28
7.8 Town of Troutville
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/Lead Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Agency Date Added to Plan Status Schedule
Redundant
power for Town Town,
Hall,Fire County,
Department, Grantor with
Transfer Switch All Hazards Water Tower, an
and Generator generating Pump Station, appropriate
Upgrade for power Training Center grant Town Water
town Buildings outage (Back-up Co 911) $30,000 High program Department 2025 Scoping Short Term
Review of
development Town,
codes to County,
evaluate need for Grantor with
changes that an
would Improve appropriate
Local Code disaster grant
Review All Hazards mitigation $10,000 High program Town Council 2019 Scoping Medium Term
Town,
Evaluation of County,
public utilities for Grantor with
Conduct study retrofitting or an
for public floodproofing to appropriate
utilities prevent failure grant Town Water Not
floodproofing Flooding during disasters $10,000 Medium program Department 2019 Started Medium Term
Town,
County,
Grantor with
Safe community an
Stream park area and appropriate
Restoration In preservation of grant Not
the Park Flooding stream banks $100,000 Medium program Town Council 2025 Started Medium Term
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 7-29
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/Lead Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Agency Date Added to Plan Status Schedule
Identify Water
Distribution
Infrastructure
vulnerable to Identify and Town,
hazardous prioritize County,
environmental Extreme vulnerable Grantor with
concerns temperature infrastructure to an
including and prevent appropriate
extreme cold Geologic customer/system grant Town Water Not
and karst Hazards outage $50,000 High program Department 2025 Started Medium Term
Reduction of
future flood
' damage through
Participate in, enforcement of
and remain in floodplain
1 good standing ordinances and
with,the availability of
National Flood discounted flood FEMA,VDEM,
Insurance insurance for Local
Program(NFIP) Flooding property owners $2,500 High government Local Government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Maintain an
accurate Identification of
database and repetitive loss
map of properties that FEMA,VDEM,
repetitive loss should be Local
properties Flooding mitigated $2.500 High government Local Government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-30
7.9 Craig County
The mitigation actions located in this section also cover mitigation actions for the Town of New Castle.
Date
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/ Added to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Lead Agency Plan Status Schedule
Develop and Available inventory of
maintain an critical structures that
inventory of need additional or
flood prone unique protection from FEMA, Local
critical facilities Flooding flooding. $1,000 Medium VDEM government 2019 Complete N/A
FE MA,
VDEM, Local
Reverse 911 Reduced loss through local government,
(Mass improved warning governm ESC,Sheriff
Notification) All hazards system $38,000 High ent Dept. 2019 Complete 2020-22
Support Virginia
Department of Clear debris and repair
Transportation banks along roads to
projects that prevent backup,erosion FEMA,
minimize and flooding of existing VDEM, In
flooding Flooding drainage systems $700,000 Medium VDOT VDOT 2019 Progress Ongoing
Local
Govern
ment,
US
All Congres
hazards, Improved coordination s, Local
Communicatio enhanced among jurisdictions: General government,
n equipment capability improved response Assembl ESC,Sheriff In
interoperability for Wildfire times $4,700,000+ High y Dept. 2019 Progress Short Term
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-31
Date
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/ Added to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Lead Agency Plan Status Schedule
Local
Govern
ment,
US
Congres
Install AU hazards Redundant power for s,
generators at resulting in public safety General
communication power communications,part Assembl In
s towers outage of overall radio project. $100,000 High y ESC 2019 Progress Short Term
AU
Install Hazards
Generator at requiring VDEM
Shelter- shelter/wa Resilient shelter and Shelter
Simmonsville rming/cool community location in Upgrade In
Fire Dept ing rural area of the county TBD High Grant ESC 2019 _Progress Short Term
Safety
improvements FEMA,
to Johns Creek Protection of life and DCR,
dams#1,#2, property downstream USDA, Mountain Castle In
#3,and#4 Flooding from the dams. Unknown High SWCD SWCD 2019 Progress Long Term
Work with VDOT to FEMA, •
address downtown I VDOT, County
Downtown New stormwater drainage VA Administrator
Castle Flooding Flooding problems $400,000 High DHCD and VDOT 2019 Scoping Long Term
Identify projects
that would
mitigate Grantors
repetitive with
flooding at Reduction of property appropri
properties and community impacts ate grant
along Craig's from flooding along program Not Medium
Creek Flooding Craig's Creek unknown High s LocalEM 2019 Started Term
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-32
Date
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/ Added to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Lead Agency Plan Status Schedule
Provide better,more
Add additional timely information to
stream and allow faster,more VDEM/
precipitation accurate warnings to be FEMA/ Not
gauges Flooding issued to the public TBD Medium VDOT : Local EM 2019 Started Long Term
Seek funding
and support
programs that
update FEMA's
Flood Insurance Updated flood hazard Building Not
Rate Maps Flooding mapping TBD High FEMA Inspector 2019 Started Long Term
Publish a
special section
in local
newspaper with
emergency Increased level of
information on Earthquak knowledge and FEMA, Local
earthquakes e awareness in citizens $2,500 Low VDEM government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Removal of households FEMA, Local
from flood hazard areas; VDEM, government,
Acquisition of reduce repetitive loss; Local Engineering&
flood prone reduce loss of life and governm Building
properties Flooding property Unknown High ent Inspections 2019 Rescoped N/A
Reduction of future
Participate in, flood damage through
and remain in enforcement of
good standing floodplain ordinances FEMA,
with,the and availability of VDEM,
National Flood discounted flood Local
Insurance insurance for property governm Local
Program(NFIP) Flooding owners $2,500 High ent Government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-33
Date
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/ Added to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Lead Agency Plan Status Schedule
FEMA,
Inventory of flood prone VDEM,
Develop and roadways for planning RVARC,
maintain an purposes(road VDOT,
inventory of improvements, Local
flood prone limitation of governm
roadways Flooding development) $25,000 Medium ent RVARC 2019 Rescoped N/A
VDOF,
Community Local
wildfire Reduction of loss to governm Local
assessments Wildfire wildfire $25,000 Medium ent government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-34
7.10 Roanoke County
Date
Hazard Funding Implementation/ Added Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Cost Priority Partners Lead Agency to Plan Status Schedule
Publish Public Local
Safety government/
Announcements Roanoke Co
(PSA)using Multi- Public
Media Outlets with Information
emergency Increased level of Office&
information on knowledge and FEMA, Emergency
earthquakes. Earthquake awareness in citizens $2,500 Low VDEM Management 2019 Complete Ongoing
Publish Public
Safety
Announcements
(PSA)using Multi-
Media Outlets and
utilizing practice Local
drills to increase government/
knowledge and Public informed about Roanoke Co
impacts risks how to protect yourself Emergency
associated with high during a tornado in case Local Management and
winds in business you are at home,in a car, Mediu governm Participating
and schools. Wind at the office,or outside $5,000 m ent Departments 2019 Complete Ongoing
Reduction of future flood
damage through
Participate in,and enforcement of
remain in good floodplain ordinances
standing with,the and availability of
National Flood discounted flood
Insurance Program insurance for property Unkno Local
(NFIP) Flooding owners wn High FEMA government 2019 Complete Ongoing
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-35
Date
Hazard Funding Implementation/ Added Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Cost Priority Partners Lead Agency to Plan Status Schedule
Maintain an
accurate database Local
and map of government/
repetitive loss Identification of Roanoke Co
properties.Request repetitive loss properties Unkno FEMA, Development
Data from FEMA. Flooding that should be mitigated wn High VDEM Services 2019 Complete Ongoing
Local
government/
Develop and Roanoke Co
maintain an Available inventory of General Services
inventory of flood critical structures that and
prone critical need additional or unique Mediu FEMA, Development
facilities Flooding protection from flooding. $1,000 m VDEM Services 2019 Complete Ongoing
Maintain an
inventory of flood
prone residential Available inventory of
properties and repetitive loss properties No Roanoke Co
repetitive loss that could be used for external Development
properties. Flooding planning purposes funding Services 2019 Complete Ongoing
USGS,
NOAA,
FEMA, Roanoke Co
Additional hazard Increased accuracy of VDEM, Development
related GIS hazard mitigation $100,0 VDOT, Services and
layers/data AU hazards planning 00 High VDOF GIS/IT 2019 Complete Ongoing
FEMA,
$20,00 VDEM,
0 Local Roanoke Co
Citizen Warning and Reduced loss through annuall Mediu Govern Emergency
Alert All hazards improved warning system y m ment Management 2019 Complete Annual
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-36
Date
Hazard Funding Implementation/ Added Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Cost Priority Partners Lead Agency to Plan Status Schedule
Research and
consider Local
participating in the Community will be better government/
National Weather prepared through Roanoke Co
Service"Storm All Weather planning and education Mediu Emergency
Ready"program Hazards about hazards $2,000 m NWS Management 2019 Complete N/A
FEMA,
Communication Improved coordination Local
equipment among jurisdictions; Unkno governm FEMA,Local
interoperability All Hazards improved response times wn High ent Government EMS 2019 Complete N/A
Revise stormwater
management and Up to date hazard related
floodplain ordinances to provide Local
management guidance for planning Unkno governm Local
ordinances Flooding and development wn High ent,DCR government 2019 Complete 2025
FEMA,
VDEM,
Inventory of flood prone RVARC,
Develop and roadways for planning VDOT,
maintain an purposes(road Local RVARC,Roanoke
inventory of flood improvements,limitation $25,00 Mediu governm Co Development In
prone roadways Flooding of development) 0 m ent Services 2019 progress Ongoing
Cost
varies
Support Virginia Clear debris and repair annuall
Department of banks along roads to y,due
Transportation prevent backup,erosion to work FEMA, Roanoke Co
projects that and flooding of existing perfor Mediu VDEM, Development In
minimize flooding Flooding drainage systems. me m VDOT Services&VDOT 2019 progress Ongoing
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Pagel 7-37
Date
Hazard Funding Implementation/ Added Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Cost Priority Partners Lead Agency to Plan Status Schedule
Seek funding to
prepare site-specific
hydrologic and
hydraulic studies
that look at areas
that have chronic Possible determination Local Roanoke Co
and repetitive of solutions to repetitive $100,0 Mediu governm Development In
flooding problems Flooding loss properties. 00 m ents Services 12019 Progress Ongoing
FEMA,
VDEM, Local
Inform public about Local government,
hazards and mitigation $50,00 governm Emergency In
Public education All hazards options 0 High ent Management 2019 progress Ongoing
Participate in
special statewide
outreach/awareness
activities,such as
Winter Weather
Awareness Week, Inform public about VDEM, Roanoke Co
Flood Awareness hazards and mitigation $10,00 FEMA, Emergency In
Week,etc All Hazards options 0 High NWS Management 2019 progress Ongoing
FEMA, Roanoke Co
Upgrade/repairs to Reduce frequency and $10,00 VDEM, Development In
stormwater system Flooding impact of flooding 0,000 High VDOT Services 2019 progress Ongoing
Clear debris and repair
banks to prevent backup, $1,000,
erosion and flooding of 000 FEMA, Roanoke Co
Drainage system existing drainage annuall VDEM, Development In
maintenance Flooding systems y High VDOT Services 2019 progress Ongoing
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-38
Date
Hazard Funding Implementation/ Added Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Cost Priority Partners Lead Agency to Plan Status Schedule
Identify buildings or
locations vital to the Available inventory of
emergency response structures that need VA Dept.
effort and buildings additional or unique of
or locations that,if protection from wildfires. Forestry,
damaged,would Support property owners US Local
add complexity to a in taking mitigation Forest government,
response.Apply actions such as Service, VDOF,USFS,and
community wildfire defensible space, Local Roanoke County
assessments as building and siting $80,00 Mediu governm Fire 8 Rescue In
appropriate. Wildfire materials 0 m ents Dept. 2019 progress Ongoing
Repetitive Loss
Property Acquisition
and Demolition of a Roanoke Co
Property located in Mitigation of repetitive -$1,00 FEMA, Development
North County Flooding loss property 0,000 High VDEM Services 2019 Scoping Ongoing
Funding
Partners
with
Mitigatio
n
Grants;
other
relevant
develop Roanoke Co
Dixie Cavern Landfill Replace aging system to $1,000, Mediu ment Development
LeachateSystem Flooding prevent discharge 000 m grants Services 2025 Scoping Long Term
Provide better,more
Identify locations for timely information to VDEM/
additional rain,river allow faster,more FEMA/
and stream accurate warnings to be $25,00 Mediu LOCAL Local Not
monitoring. Flooding issued to the public 0 m GOVT Government 2019 Started Short Term
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-39
Date
Hazard Funding Implementation/ Added Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Cost Priority Partners Lead Agency to Plan Status Schedule
Develop and Knowledge of hazard
maintain damage caused damage for
assessment planning and disaster Unkno Local
information flooding recovery efforts wn Low VDEM Government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Elevation certificates for
residential,business, FEMA,
and critical facilities; VDEM, Local
increased accuracy of Local Government,
Additional hazard hazard mitigation $75,00 Govern Engineering
field data Flooding planning 0 High ment Department 2019 Rescoped N/A
Residential and Local
Commercial Government,
Structure Removal of structure $15,00 FEMA, Engineering
Acquisition Flooding from flood hazard areas 0,000 High VDEM Department 2019 Rescoped N/A
Identify funding and Landslide Tool for
resources for planning and decision-
delineating landslide Geologic making;limitation of new $15,00 Mediu VDEM,
hazards Hazards development 0 m DCR DCR 2019 Rescoped N/A
Develop steep slope
ordinance/guideline
s for development in Landslide Tool for
steep planning and decision-
slope/marginal soils Geologic making;limitation of new $10,00 Mediu Local
areas Hazards development 0 m DCR government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Local
Government,
Stormwater facilities Reduce frequency and $15,00 FEMA, Engineering
construction Flooding impact of flooding 0,000 High VDEM Department 2019 Rescoped N/A
Update Regional FEMA, Local
Stormwater Watershed/mitigation Local Government,
Management Master planning and project $750,0 governm Engineering
Plan Flooding identification 00 High ent,PDC Department 2019 Rescoped N/A
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-40
Date
Hazard Funding Implementation/ Added Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Cost Priority Partners Lead Agency to Plan Status Schedule
Encourage residents
and developers to
use Fire-Wise VDOF,
building design, Local
siting,and materials Reduction in damages Mediu governm Local
for construction Wildfire from wildfire $5,000 m ent government 2019 Rescoped N/A
VDOF,
Local
Community wildfire Reduction in loss to $25,00 Mediu govemm VDOF,Local
assessments Wildfire wildfire 0 m ent :overnment 2019 Rescoped N/A
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-41
7.11 City of Roanoke
Date
Added
Hazard
Cost Funding Implementation/ to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit
Estimate Priority Partners Lead Agency Plan Status Schedule
Local
Develop and Available inventory of government,
critical structures Stormwater
maintain an Utility,
inventory of flood that need additional
prone critical or unique protection Emergency
facilities Flooding from flooding. $10,000 Medium FEMA,VDEM Management 2019 Complete Ongoing
Continue
participation in
FEMA's DFIRM Updated flood hazard FEMA,local Local
program Flooding mapping. $15,000 High government government 2019 Complete Ongoing
Develop Family
Assistance
Center Plan,
Standard
Operating
Guidelines for Supporting
Family government and
Assistance private employers in City of Roanoke
Center Roanoke by City& Emergency
deployment,and developing SOGs to private Management,
identify staffing implement Family partner City
needs All Hazards Assistance Center $0 Medium agencies Schools 2019 Complete Ongoing
Secure grants to
purchase and
maintain
Volunteer Supporting
Management spontaneous
and Reception volunteers in a Roanoke Valley
capabilities All Hazards disaster. $25,000 Medium City/FEMA governments 2019 Complete Ongoing
Page I 7-42
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans
Date
Added
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/ to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Lead Agency Plan Status Schedule
Local
Government,
Stormwater
Utility,
USGS, Department of
Additional Increased accuracy NOAA, Technology,
Hazard related of hazard mitigation FEMA, Emergency
GIS layers/data All Hazards planning $100,000 Medium VDEM,VDOT Management 2019 Complete Ongoing
Reduced loss of life Local
Star City Alerts and property through Government,
(Rave Mobile improved warning Local Emergeny
Safety) All Hazards system. $25,000 High Government Management 2019 Complete Ongoing
Maintain an
accurate Identification of
database and repetitive loss
map of repetitive properties that Stormwater
loss properties Flooding should be mitigated Unknown High FEMA,VDEM Utility,VDEM 2019 Complete Annual
Reduction in flood Local
insurance rates; government;
Attain CRS Class reduction in flood Stormwater
6 Flooding loss. $10,000 High VDEM Utility 2025 Complete 2021
Standard
Operating
Guidelines for Supporting City EM,Police
Volunteer spontaneous City Department,
Reception volunteers in a Emergency Animal
deployment AU Hazards disaster. $0 Medium Management Wardens 2019 Complete 2022
Supporting Pets in
Disaster by
Develop Disaster developing City
Pet Sheltering Community Animal Emergency City EM&Police
capabilities All Hazards Response Team. $25,000 Medium Management Department 2019 Complete 2022
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-43
Date
Added
Hazard Cost Fund _Implementation/ to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Lead Agency Plan Status Schedule
Removal of
structures from flood
hazard areas;reduce FEMA, Local
repetitive loss; VDEM, government,
Structure reduce loss of life $200,000 per Local Stormwater
acquisition Flooding and property. year High Government Utility 2019 In progress Ongoing
Removal of
households from
flood hazard areas; Local
Acquisition of reduce repetitive FEMA, government,
flood prone loss;reduce loss of VDEM,Local Stormwater
properties Flooding life and property. $50,000 High government Utility 2019 In progress Ongoing
Local
government,
Inform public about FEMA, Stormwater
hazards and VDEM, Utility,
mitigation options Local Emergency
Public Education All Hazards and NFIP. $50,000 Medium Government Management 2019 In progress Ongoing
FEMA,
Upgrade/repairs Reduce frequency VDEM,
to storm water and impact of Local Local
system Flooding flooding. $140,000,000 High government government 2019 In progress Ongoing
Improved stream flow
and sediment
Implementation transport,reduction
of Tinker Creek of stream bank
and Tributaries erosion,increase in Variable VADEQ,
Watershed water quality $300,000 to potentially Local
Master Plan Flooding benefits. $2 million High FEMA government 2025 In progress Ongoing
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-44
Date
Added
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation! to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Lead Agency Plan Status Schedule
Improved stream flow
and sediment
transport,reduction
Implementation of stream bank
of Lick Run erosion,increase in Variable VADEQ,
Watershed water quality $300,000 to potentially Local
Master Plan Flooding benefits. $2 million High FEMA government 2025 In progress Ongoing
Improved stream flow
and sediment
transport,reduction
Implementation of stream bank
of Trout Run erosion,increase in Variable VADEQ,
Watershed water quality $300,000 to potentially Local
Master Plan Flooding benefits. $2 million High FEMA government 2025 In progress Ongoing
Improved stream flow
and sediment
transport,reduction
Implementation of stream bank
of Peters Creek erosion,increase in Variable VADEQ,
Watershed water quality $300,000 to potentially Local
Master Plan Flooding benefits. $2 million High FEMA government 2025 In progress Ongoing
Assess and plan
Stormwater needs on
a per watershed basis
with comprehensive
modeling and Local
Watershed identification of $700,000 per Government, Stormwater
Master Planning Flooding priority projects watershed High DCR Utility 2025 In progress Ongoing
Clear debris and
repair banks to
prevent FEMA,
backup,erosion and VDEM,
Drainage System flooding of existing Local Local
Maintenance Flooding drainage systems. $500,000 High government government 2019 In progress Annual
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-45
Date
Added
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/ to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Lead Agency Plan Status Schedule
Increased accuracy
of flood maps and Local
more effective government,
Flood Hazard regulation and Stormwater
mapping update enforcement of Utility,Planning Short
/modernization Flooding regulations. $212,800 High FEMA,VDEM Division 2019 In progress Term
Reduction in flood Local
insurance rates; government;
Attain CRS Class reduction in flood Stormwater Long
5 Flooding loss. $10,000 High VDEM Utility 2019 In progress Term
Support community
efforts to develop Partner
Sponsor resilience hub,by identification Sustainability
Community supporting funding underway and Emergency Medium
Resilience Hub All Hazards pursuit TBD Medium with USDN Management 2025 Scoping Term
Increased planning to
establish
coordinated public City,Grantor
information and with an
Develop Crisis warning throughout appropriate Emergency
Communications the incident grant Management, Medium
Plan All Hazards continuum TBD High program Communications 2025 Scoping Term
City,Grantor
with an
Develop adaptation appropriate
Develop Heat Extreme features to build grant Medium
Resilience Plan temperature resiliency $150,000 High program Sustainability 2025 Not Started Term
City,Grantor
All Hazards with an
generating Solutioning long appropriate Sustainability,
Study on power power term,multi disaster grant Emergency Long
resiliency outage power resiliency $100,000 Medium program Management 2019 Not Started Term
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-46
Date
Added
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/ to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Lead Agency Plan Status Schedule
City,USGS,
Grantor with
Winter an
Pavement Storm, Operational appropriate
Temperature extreme efficiency generating grant Transportation Long
sensors temperature safer travel methods $150,000 Medium program Division 2025 Not Started Term
City,Grantor
Develop Increased decision with an
Continuity of making and appropriate Emergency
Government coordination grant Management. Long
Plan All Hazards resiliency TBD High program City Manager 2025 Not Started Term
Once the LOMR is
updated as a result of
the Roanoke River
Flood Reduction
Project,new
elevation certificates Local
Elevation along the river Silver government,
Certificate corridor may be Jackets, Stormwater Medium
Updates Flooding needed. Unknown Medium VDEM,FEMA Utility 2019 On Hold Term
City will be able to
understand what
flooding depths will Silver
be based on RR Jackets,
Inundation stream gauge local Stormwater Medium
Mapping Flooding heights. Unknown High governments Utility 2019 On Hold Term
Improved stream flow
and sediment
transport,reduction
of stream bank
erosion,increase in Variable VADEQ,
Stream water quality $300,000 to potentially Local
Restorations Flooding benefits. $2 million High FEMA government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-47
Date
Added
Hazard
Cost Funding Implementation/ to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Lead Agency Plan Status Schedule
Reduction of future
flood damage
Participate in, through enforcement
and remain in of floodplain
good standing ordinances and
with,the availability of Local
National Flood discounted flood government,
Insurance insurance for Stormwater
Program(NFIP) Flooding property owners. $0 High FEMA Utility 2019 Rescoped N/A
Reduced loss of life Local
and property through FEMA, Government,
improved warning VDEM,Local Emergency
Reverse 911 All Hazards system $50,000 High Government Management 2019 Rescoped N/A
Reduction in flood Local
insurance rates; government;
Participate in reduction in flood Stormwater
CRS Flooding loss. $10,000 High VDEM Utility 2019 Rescoped N/A
Update Regional
Stormwater Watershed/mitigation FEMA,local
Management planning and project government, Local
Master Plan Flooding identification $750,000 High PDC government 2019 Rescoped WA
Bringing together
local partners to
increase capacity of
local green
infrastructure
projects to bring long-
term water quality Not
and flood reduction Earth Stormwater
Urban GI Lab Flooding benefits No Cost High Economics Utility 2019 Completed N/A
Page I 7-48
Chapter 7 Mitigation Action Plans
Date
Added
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/ to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Lead Agency Plan Status Schedule
Assessment of
readingess and
specific areas of
vulnerability to
Resiliency hazards and climate DCR,VDEM, Stormwater Not
Scorecard All Hazards chan_e Unknown High FEMA Utit 2019 Com•leted N/A
Strategic
Economic development
Valuation of decision making DCR,VDEM, Stormwater Not
Floodplain Flooding improved S60,000 High FEMA Utility 2019 Completed N/A
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-49
7.12 City of Salem
Date
Hazard Funding Implementation/ Added Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Cost Priority Partners Lead Agency to Plan Status Schedule
Improved stream flow
and mitigation of
flooding;Clear debris
and repair banks to FEMA,
prevent backup, VDEM,City, Community
Open Drainage erosion and flooding of grantor with Development,
system existing drainage app grant Street
maintenance; Flooding systems $100,000 Medium program Department 2019 _COMPLETE Ongoing
FEMA,
Closed Stormwater VDEM,City,
system grantor with
construction, Reduce frequency and app grant Community
upgrades or repairs Flooding impact of flooding $1,000,000 Medium program Development. 2019 COMPLETE Ongoing
Elevation certificates
for residential,
business and critical FEMA, Local
facilities;increased VDEM, government,
Additional hazard accuracy of hazard Local Community
field data Flooding mitigation planning $25,000 Medium government Development. 2019 COMPLETE Ongoing
Local
FEMA, government,Fire
Reduced loss through VDEM, &Emergency
Mass notification improved warning Local Services,Police,
System All hazards system N/A N/A Government IT 2019 Complete N/A
Local
Improved coordination government,Fire
Communication among jurisdictions; $1,000,000 &Emergency
equipment improved response to FEMA,Local Services,Police, 2018-
interoperability All hazards times;citizen alerts 3,000,000 High government IT 2019 COMPLETE 2019
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-50
Date
Hazard Funding Implementation/ Added Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Cost Priority Partners Lead Agency to Plan Status Schedule
Local
government,
Partner with the Virginia Community
Department of Forestry Development,
to mitigate wildfire risk Fire&Emergency
by focusing on fire Services,Streets
prevention and creating TBD by DOF.Local and General
Defensible Space Wildfire defensible space. project Low government Maintenance 2019 In Progress Ongoing
Use HEC-GeoRAS,
HEC-GeoHMS,or
HAZUS software to Use software to model
model potential potential flood areas FEMA,
flood scenarios and and identify high risk VDEM,
identify high-hazard areas to help mitigate Local Community Short
areas Flooding flooding $10,000 Low government Development 2019 Scoping Term
City,grantor
Up to date floodplain with an Local
Revision of and zoning ordinance to appropriate government,
floodplain provide guidance for grant Community Medium
ordinance All Hazards development $150,000 Medium program Development 2025 Scoping Term
Possible sources of
funding for
acquisition/demolition
Participate in FEMA projects,structure FEMA,
Hazard Mitigation elevation,mitigation VDEM,
Programs such as reconstruction project, Local
FMA,PDM,and flood-proofing critical government,
HMGP for facilities,flood-proofing grantor with
acquisition of flood commercial structure, an
prone properties or infrastructure appropriate
flood-proofing upgrades,and grant Community Long
projects Flooding technology upgrades $500,000 High program Development 2019 Scoping Term
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-51
Date
Hazard Funding Implementation/ Added Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Cost Priority Partners Lead Agency to Plan Status Schedule
FEMA,
VDEM,City,
Extreme grantor with
temps, Provide community an
Identify and equip a winds, space for warming/ appropriate
community earthquake, cooling and power grant Not Medium
resource center winter needs in a disaster $200,000 Medium program Fire and EMS 2025 Started Term
Seek funding to
prepare site-specific
hydrologic and
hydraulic studies FEMA,
that look at areas Possible determination VDEM,City,
that have chronic of solutions to grantor with
and repetitive repetitive loss app grant Community Not Long
flooding problems Flooding properties. $15,000 Medium program Development 2019 Started Term
VDEM,City,
grantor with
an
Reduction in flood appropriate
insurance rates; grant Community Long
Participate in CRS Flooding reduction in flood loss _$20,000 Low i program Development 2019 On Hold Term
Maintain an
accurate database Indentification of Local
and map of repetitive loss government,
repetitive loss properties that should FEMA, Community
properties Flooding be mitigated N/A High VDEM Development 2019 Rescoped N/A
Local
Develop and Available inventory of govemment,
maintain an critical structures that Community
inventory of flood need additional or Development,
prone critical unique protection from FEMA, Fire&Emergency
facilities Flooding flooding N/A Medium VDEM Services 2019 Rescoped N/A
Chapter 7 Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-52
Date
Hazard Funding Implementation/ Added Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Cost Priority Partners Lead Agency to Plan Status Schedule
Continue Local
participation in government,
FEMA's DFIRM Updated flood hazard FEMA,Local Community
program Flooding mapping N/A Low government Development 2019 Rescoped N/A
Up to date floodplain Local
Annual review of and zoning ordinance to government,
floodplain provide guidance for Local Community
ordinance Flooding development N/A Low government Development 2019 Rescoped N/A
Local
government,
Community
Development,
Apply ignition resistant FEMA, Fire&Emergency
Application of techniques to new or VDEM, Services,Streets
Ignition-resistant existing structures and Local and General Not
construction Wildfire critical facilities N/A Low government Maintenance 2019 Completed N/A
Local
government,
Community
Development,
Removal of vegetative FEMA, Fire&Emergency
fuels in proximity to at- VDEM. Services,Streets
Hazardous Fuels risk structures and Local and General Not
Reduction Wildfire critical facilities N/A Low government Maintenance 2019 Completed N/A
Flood hazard
mapping update/ Increased accuracy of
modernization/ flood maps and
Additional hazard increased accuracy of
related GIS hazard mitigation FEMA,
layers/data All hazards/ planning N/A Medium VDEM CommunityDev 2019 Ongoing Ongoing
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-53
Date
Hazard Funding Implementation/ Added Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Cost Priority Partners Lead Agency to Plan Status Schedule
Develop web
application(s)for
informing public about
hazards and mitigation
options Utilize ArcGIS FEMA,
to allow real-time VDEM,
citizen input regarding Local
Public education All hazards occurring hazards. N/A Low government GIS 2019 Ongoing Ongoing
FEMA,
VDEM,
Continue headwall and Local
riverbank stabilization government
to reduce road CFPF,
undercutting in multiple grantor with
areas as scoping app grant 2025-
Soil Stabilization All hazards/ determines. $500,000 Medium program Community Dev 2019 Ongoing 2030
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 7-54
7.13 Town of Vinton
Date
Added
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/Lead to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Agency Plan Status Schedule
Maintain an
inventory of flood Available Inventory of
prone residential repetitive loss
properties and properties that could be
repetitive loss used for planning RVARC,Roanoke County
properties Flooding purposes _ Unknown Unknown VDEM,RVARC and Town of Vinton 2019 COMPLETE Ongoing
Public made aware of
Impending danger.
Encourage voluntary use
of the National Weather
Service or private
warning mechanisms,
such as The Weather
Channel NOTIFY!and
the Specific Area
Implement Mass Message Encoding RVARC RVARC and Local
Notification System All Hazards (SAME) $100,000 High Localities government 2019 COMPLETE N/A
Provide an
informational
brochure or handout VDEM,FEMA,
on Flood Safety in Public better informed RVARC
Vinton All Hazards about Flood Safety. Unknown Medium Localities Town of Vinton 2019 COMPLETE N/A
Ensure that water and
Determine the need sewer service can be
for generators at operational during
public infrastructure hazard events.Needed
facilities,emergency services can be Town of Vinton Public
shelters,and public provided during FEMA,Local Works and Police
buildings All hazards emergency events. $20,000 High government Departments 2019 COMPLETE N/A
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-55
Date
Added
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/Lead to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Agency Plan Status Schedule
Review development FEMA,
codes to evaluate need Roanoke
for changes that would County and
improve disaster Town of Town of Vinton Planning
Local codes review All hazards mitigation $100,000 High Vinton and d Zoning Department 2019 COMPLETE N/A
Seek funding to
prepare site-specific
hydrologic and
hydraulic studies Study Gish Mill
that look at areas redevelopment area and
that have chronic Tinker Creek Tributary to FEMA,VDEM,
and repetitive determine effective and RVARC
flooding problems Flooding solutions Unknown Medium Localities Local governments 2019 COMPLETE N/A
Increased accuracy of
flood maps and more
Flood hazard effective regulation and RVARC,County of
mapping update/ enforcement of Roanoke,and Town of
modernization Flooding regulations $50,000 High FEMA,VDEM Vinton 2019 COMPLETE N/A
Evaluation of public
Evaluate public utilities for retrofitting or FEMA,VDEM,
utilities for floodproofing to prevent Town of Town of Vinton Public
floodproofing Flooding failure during disasters $50,000 Medium Vinton Works Department 2019 COMPLETE N/A
Improved coordination Town of Vinton
Communication among jurisdictions; FEMA, Emergency Coordinator,
equipment improved resposne RVARC, Roanoke CountyNinton
interoperability All Hazards times $100,000 High Localities ECC 2019 COMPLETE N/A
• FEMA,RVARC
Reduction in flood Localities,
Obtain CRS insurance rates; $10,000, Town of Town of Vinton Planning
Classification Rating Flooding reduction In flood loss Anually High Vinton and Zoning Department 2019 COMPLETE 2016
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-56
Date
Added
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/Lead to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Agency Plan Status Schedule
Continue to enforce
steep slope
ordinance/guidelines Landslide Tool for VDCR,
for development in planning and decision Roanoke
steep slope/marginal Geologic making;limitation of County,Town
soils areas Hazards new development $10,000 Medium of Vinton DCR 2019 COMPLETE 2016
Removal of households
and other structures
Property acquisition from flood hazard areas;
-single-family and reduce repetitive loss; FEMA,VDEM,
commercial reduce loss of life and Town of Town of Vinton Planning Short
structures Flooding property $10,000,000 High Vinton and Zoning Department 2019 In Progress Term
Town,
Roanoke City,
Roanoke
Provide better,more County,
timely information to Grantor with
Identify locations for allow faster,more an
additional stream Flooding/ accurate warnings to be appropriate Town of Vinton Planning Short
gauges Heavy Rains Issued to the public $25,000 Medium grant program and Zoning 2019 In Progress Term
VA DOF,
Community Wildfire Reduction of loss to RVARC Roanoke County and Short
assessments Wildfire wildfire $50,000 Medium Localities Town of Vinton 2019 In Progress Term
Town,Private
Protect structure and Developers,
Retrofit and tenants from flooding, Helene Post
Floodproof Gish Mill improve economic Disaster Town Planning and Short
Historical Structure Flooding community value $400,000 High Mitigation Zoning Department 2019 In Progress Term
Town of ',
Vinton,
Grantor with
Town-wide Appropriate
Stormwater facilities Reduce frequency and Grant Town of Vinton Planning Not
retrofit Flooding impact of flooding $20,000,000 High Program and Zoning Department 2019 Started Long Term
Charles R.Hill Retrofit building with Town,
Community Center generator and supplies Roanoke Co, Town Emergency Not
Shelter Retrofit All Hazards to serve as shelter while $200,000 Medium Grantor with Management 2019 Started Long Term
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-57
Date
Added
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/Lead to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Agency Plan Status Schedule
War Memorial Is appropriate
upgraded grant program
Clear debris and repair
banks along roads to
prevent backup,erosion
and flooding of existing
drainage systems.Hardy
Rd,Walnut Ave,Virginia
Transportation Ave,as well as,other
corridor debris roadways as determined Town,VDOT,
removal and bank by Town,VDOT, Roanoke Coy, Town Planning and Medium
stabilization. Flooding Roanoke City staff. $2,000,000 Medium Roanoke Co Zoning 2019 On Hold Term
Encourage voluntary
use of the National
Weather Service or
private warning
mechanisms,such
as The Weather
Channel NOTIFY!
and the Specific Area Public able to receive
Message Encoding warnings from RVARC RVARC and Local
(SAME) All Hazards appropriate sources Unknown High Localities government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Participate in special
statewide
outreach/awareness
activities such as
Winter Weather
Awareness Week, Inform public about VDEM,FEMA,
Flood Awareness hazards and mitigation NWS,RVARC, RVARC and Local
Week,etc. All Hazards options $10,000 High Localities government 2019 Rescoped N/A
Reduced loss through FEMA,VDEM,
Improved warning Local Town of Vinton,Roanoke
Reverse 911 All Hazards system $100,000 Medium governments County and RVARC 2019 Rescoped N/A
Inform public about FEMA,VDEM,
hazards and mitigation Local
Public education All Hazards options $50,000 Medium governments Town of Vinton,RVARC 2019 Rescoped N/A
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-58
Date
Added
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/Lead to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Agency Plan Status Schedule
USGS,NOAA,
FEMA,VDEM,
Additional hazard Increased accuracy of VDOT,VDOF, RVARC,County of
related GIS hazard mitigation RVARC, Roanoke,and Town of
layers/data All Hazards planning $100,000 High Localities Vinton 2019 Rescoped N/A
Coordinate with a
support Community
Emergency
Response Team Coordinated
(CERT) All Hazards information distribution Unknown Low ' Unknown Unknown 2019 Rescoped N/A
Reduction of future
flood damage through
enforcement of
floodplain ordinances
Participate in,and and availability of
remain in good discounted flood
standing with,the insurance for property FEMA,DCR, Town of Vinton and
NFIP Flooding owners Unknown High VDEM Roanoke County 2019 Rescoped N/A
Inventory of flood prone '
roadways for planning
Develop and purposes(road FEMA,VDEM,
maintain an improvements, RVARC,Local
inventory of flood limitation of governments,
prone roadways Flooding development) $25,000 Medium VDOT RVARC 2019 Rescoped N/A
Develop and Knowledge of hazard
maintain damage caused damage for
assessment planning and disaster
Information Flooding recovery efforts Unknown Medium VDEM Town of Vinton 2019 Rescoped N/A
Elevation certificates for
residential,business,
and critical facilities,
increased accuracy of FEMA,VDEM,
Additional hazard hazard mitigation RVARC, Town of Vinton and
field data Flooding planning $50,000 High localities Roanoke County 2019 Rescoped N/A
Update Regional Watershed/mitigation FEMA,VDEM,
Stormwater Master planning and project RVARC, Town of Vinton an other
Plan Flooding identification $500,000 High localities Valley governments 2019 Rescoped N/A
Chapter 7 Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-59
Date
Added
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/Lead to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Agency Plan Status schedule
Town of
Vinton,
Grantor with
Appropriate
Upgrade/repairs to Reduce frequency and Grant Town of Vinton Public
stormwater system Flooding impact of flooding $20,000,000 High Program Works 2019 Rescoped N/A
Clear debris and repair
banks to prevent
backup/erosion/flooding FEMA,VDEM,
Drainage system of existing drainage $100,00 VDOT,Town Town of Vinton Public
maintenance Flooding systems Annually High of Vinton Works 2019 Rescoped N/A
Identify funding and Landslide Tool for
resources for planning and decision VDEM,VDCR, j
delineating landslide Geologic making;limitation of RVARC,
hazards Hazards new development $15,000 Medium Localities DCR 2019 Rescoped N/A
Public Informed about
Public education how to protect
workshops for themselves from RVARC
tornado drills Wind Event tornado $5,000 Medium Localities RVARC 2019 Rescoped N/A
Encourage residents
and developers to
use Fire-Wise
building design,
siting and materials Reduction in damages VDOF,RVARC Roanoke County and
for construction Wildfire from wildfire $5,000 Medium Localities Town of Vinton 2019 Rescoped N/A
Publish a special
section in local
newspaper with
emergency Increased level of FEMA,VDEM,
information on knowledge and Local RVARC and participating Not
earthquakes Earthquake awareness in citizens $2,500 Low governments local governments 2019 Completed N/A
Develop"critical Identification of
area"maps for earthquake hazard Not
earthquake zones Earthquake locations $75,000 Medium FEMA Local governments 2019 Completed N/A
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-60
7.14 Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
Date
Added
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/Lead to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Agency Plan Status Schedule
Identify areas with Improved early
recurring flood warning of flooding;
problems and ensure that these
prepare funding areas are adequately
scope for additional covered and DHCD, In Short
stream/rain gauges Flooding monitored $5,000 High Localities RVARC 2019 Progress Term
Increased staff
Train staff in hazard 1 capacity for 2030 plan $10,000- In Short
mitigation All Hazards update $15,000 High RVARC 2025 Progress Term
Request additional . Improved early
stream/rain gauges warning of flooding;
on behalf of ensure these areas are
interested local adequately covered Short
governments. Flooding and monitored. $120,000 Medium FEMA,VDEM RVARC 2019 Scoping Term
Expand extreme
temperature data Improved data around
collection in extreme temperature
partnership with Extreme impacts for 2030plan VDOF,VDH, RVARC,local Medium
interested localities Temperature update. TBD Low other governments 2025 Scoping Term
Improved information
Improve Landslide around geologic
Susceptibility Model hazards,specifically
by evaluating rain Geologic landslides,for 2030 $5,000- Medium
event frequency. Hazards plan update. $10,000 High VDE,NWS RVARC 2025 Scoping Term
Develop or update New and updated
the Regional action items for
Stormwater stormwater $100,000- To be Long
Management Plan Flooding management $150,000 Medium identified RVARC 2019 Scoping Term
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-61
Date
Added
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/Lead to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Agency Plan Status Schedule
Expand assessment
of wildfire risk to
incorporate new
data regarding air
quality mortality in Regional
partnership with Improved data around health
regional health wildfire risk and public partners, Long
advocates Wildfire health TBD Low VDH RVARC 2025 Scoping Term
Work with state
agencies to improve Improved information
sinkhole around geologic
susceptibility data Geologic hazards,specifically $5,000- DCR,VDE, Long
for the region. Hazards sinkholes. $30,000 Low VDOT RVARC 2025 Scoping Term
Improve risk —T
assessment
methodologies for
special districts and Improved risk
evaluate addition of assessment in 5-year VDEM,
other special update and improved FEMA,
districts as stakeholder $20,000- Special Long
appropriate. All Hazards coordination. $25,000 Medium Districts RVARC 2025 Scoping Term
Annual updates on Improved
Regional and Local implementation
project progress and tracking and public $5,000- Not
plan documentation All Hazards engagement $10,000 High Localities RVARC,localities 2025 Started Annual
Participation in state
and federal
communication
Annual public efforts,and VDEM,
information partnership with FEMA,Local Not
campaigns All Hazards Prepareathon $1,000 Low governments RVARC,localities 2025 Started Annual
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-62
Date
Added
Hazard Cost Funding Implementation/Lead to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Priority Partners Agency Plan Status Schedule
Improved and updated
Update the 2005 information about
Flood Prone roadway flooding in $10.000- Not Short
Roadway Study Flooding the region $30,000 High TPO RVARC 2019 Started Term
Critical and
Vulnerable Facilities Improved and updated
Flood Vulnerability information on the
Study and action regional impacts to $30,000- Not Medium
plan Flooding critical facilities $60,000 Medium TPO,other RVARC 2025 Started Term
Inventory mobile
home and RV park
locations in the Improved wind model $10,000- Not Medium
region. Wind for2030 plan update. $20,000 High RVARC 2025 Started Term
Flooding, Improved information
Regional Transit Winter around transit impacts $40,000- Not Medium
Impact Study Storm in hazard events $80,000 Low TPO RVARC 2025 Started Term
Identify critical and
vulnerable facilities Wind,
that lack generators Winter Improved information
and incorporate list Storm, regarding electric
into future project Extreme generator needs $10.000- VDEM,Local Not Medium
development. Temperature during disaster events. $15,000 Medium governments RVARC 2025 Started Term
Maintain an active
regional database of
repetitive loss Improved information $5,000- Short
properties Flooding around repetitive loss $10,000 High FEMA,VDEM RVARC 2019 On Hold Term
Bring FEMA's
Substantial
Damage/Substantial VDEM,
Improvement Improved regional $2,000- FEMA,Local Short
training to the area All Hazards capacity. $5,0000 Medium governments VDEM 2025 On Hold Term
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 7-63
7.15 Roanoke Valley Resource Authority
Date
Added
Hazard Cost Benefit- Funding Implementation/Lead to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate to-Cost Priority Partners Agency Plan Status Schedule
RVRA has
significant
relationships
across the
operational region,
both contractually
and All
organizationally localities
and seeks to share and
resource partners
Increase information, within
relationships capability and service
with service contribute to district on
area All- regional public a case by RVRA Executive In
jurisdictions Hazards safety efforts $0 High Low case basis Director 2025 Progress Ongoing
Implement 2
trailer drawn Keep pump
emergency stations
generators operational during
to support 2 power outage:
pump All Hazards protection of illicit
stations that result discharge to VA
primarily, in power waters.Trailer Sourcing
with outage: mounted set-up FEMA Post RVRA-Dir.Of
flexibility to Wind, provides flexibility Disaster Operations/
support Winter, for other internal Mitigation Operations In Short
others Flood,etc and external use. $300,000 High High Funds Management 2025 Progress Term
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-64
Date
Added
Hazard Cost Benefit- Funding Implementation/Lead to Proposed
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate to-Cost Priority Partners Agency Plan Status Schedule
Maximize storage
capacity,
protection of
pumps,improved
pump out capacity
Leachate through efficiency
Bypass gains.Builds i Sourcing
Pump resiliency and FEMA Post RVRA-Dirof
Station and prevents system Disaster Operations/
Tank from being overrun Mitigation Operations In Short
Cleaning Flooding in a storm event. $322,400 High High Funds Management 2025 Progress Term
Study of a critical
access road,along
with several state
roads leading to the Seeking
area.This area grant
experiences funding
routine short term that would
and occasional be
long term flooding. Unknown, applicable.
Flooding, The area is at risk pending This could
Geologic for karst events and development be from
Haul Road Hazards, runs alongside a of a scope of any RVRA Executive Not Long
Study Earthquake sheer cut hillside. work Low Medium_source. Director 2025 Started Term
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-65
7.16 Western Virginia Water Authority
Date
Benefit Adde Propose
Hazard Cost -to- Funding Implementation/Lea dto d
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Cost Priority Partners d Agency Plan Status Schedule
Identify
distribution
infrastructure
vulnerable to
hazardous Identify and
environmenta prioritize WVWA,
l concerns vulnerable Grantor
including Extreme infrastructure to with an
extreme cold Temperature prevent Routine appropriat In
and geologic ,Geologic customer/syste effort.Cost e grant WVWA Engineering Progres
hazards Hazards mwateroutage. by project High High program Services 2025 s Ongoing
Identify
critical Promote WVWA,
facilities resiliency of Grantor
within WVWA All Hazards water with an
Network to resulting in distribution appropriat
install power system during $5,000,00 egrant Medium
generators outage power outages 0 Medium High program WVWA Water Quality 2025 Scoping Term
Study and
Water execute a
Pollution solution to
Control Plant prevent flooding
Flood within the water FEMA Post
Protection- pollution control $4,000,00 Disaster Not Short
Ferrum Flooding plant. 0 High High Mitigation WVWA Water Quality _2025 Started Term
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans Page 17-66
Date
Benefit
Adde Propose
d
Hazard Cost -to- Funding Implementation/Lea dto
Project Mitigated Benefit Estimate Cost Priority Partners d Agency
Plan Status Schedule
Construction of
stormwater
Water conveyance
Pollution system to
Control Plant prevent flooding
Flood within the water FEMA Post
Protection- pollution control
Disaster Not Short
BoonesMitl Flooding plant. $228,000 High High Mitigation WVWA Water Quality 2025 Started Term
WVWA,
Grantor
Study WVWA with an
Dams and Flooding, Long term appropriat
establish a Geologic planning to Not Long
replacement Hazards, evaluate dam Low- a grant
program Earthquake lifecycle. TBD Medium Med program WVWA Water Quality 2025 Started Term
Promote W VNA,
resiliency of Grantor
water
with an
Distribution
distribution and appropriat
System collection Mediu a grant WVWA Engineering Not Long
ram Services 2025 Started Term
Redundancy All-Hazards systems. TBD Medium m program
Prevent and
mitigate wildfire, WVWA,
to create City of
resiliency in Roanoke,
water quality Grantor
from source to with an
Carvins Cove appropriat
Forestry Wildfire, tap,including Medium
Management Geologic reservoir and
e grant
Study Hazards WTP. TBD Medium High program WVWA Water Quality 2025 On Hold Term
Page I 7-67
Chapter 7:Mitigation Action Plans
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Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission. (2025). Comprehensive Economic
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Virginia Department of Energy. (n.d.). KarstView User Guide and Explanation. Retrieved
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https://www.vdot.virgin ia.gov/doi ng-business/technical-guidance-and-
support/technical-guidance-documents/drainage-manual/
Virginia Department of Transportation.(2024).Mileage Tables:The State Highway Systems.
Richmond:Commonwealth of Virginia.
Virginia Health Information. (2021, February 26). Retrieved June 20, 2025, from
https://www.vhi.org/Hospitals/vahospitals.asp
Additional Materials b
Appendices
Appendix A: Public Engagement Summary and Documentation
Appendix B: Hazard Mitigation Survey Results
Public Input Survey Report
Stakeholder Form Responses
Appendix C: Flood Hazard Areas
Appendix D: Flooding HAZUS Reports
100 Year Flood Model
500 Year Flood Model
Appendix E:Wildfire Incident Reports and Regional Wildfire Report
Wildfire Incident Reports
Regional Wildfire Risk Model Report
Appendix F: Critical and Vulnerable Facilities Inventory
Appendix G:Jurisdiction Capability Assessment Worksheets
Appendix H: High Hazard Dam Supplemental Information
Dam Safety Fact Sheets
Inundation Maps Beaverdam Creek
Inundation Maps Carvin Cove
Inundation Maps Falling Creek
Inundation Maps Johns Creek 1
Inundation Maps Johns Creek 2
Inundation Maps Johns Creek 3
Inundation Maps Johns Creek 4
Inundation Maps Spring Hollow
Resilience Analysis and Planning Tool Outputs
Appendix I: Policy Guide Checklist
Appendix J: Resolutions and Adoption
Additional Materials c
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA
The 17th day of February 2026.
No. 43353-021726.
AN ORDINANCE appropriating funding for the local match of the Tinker Creek
Greenway Project VDOT grant, amending and re-ordaining certain sections of the FY25-
26 Capital Projects fund appropriations, and dispensing with the second reading by title
of this ordinance. The City Manager, or designee, is hereby authorized to accept,
execute, and file on behalf of the City of Roanoke any and all documents required to
accept and reallocate such funds. All such documents shall be approved as to form by
the City Attorney.
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Roanoke that the following
sections of the FY25-26 Capital Projects fund appropriations be, and the same are
hereby, amended and re-ordained to read and provide as follows:
Capital Projects Fund
Expenditures
Tinker Creek Greenway (Wise to 308-4310-0000-69065-300264 $ 9,824
Norfolk) - Construction
Tinker Creek Greenway - Construction 308-4310-0000-69065-300205 (9,824)
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12 of the City Charter, the second reading of this
ordinance by title is hereby dispensed with.
ATTEST:
City Clerk.
City Manager's Report
Submitted by: Ross Campbell, PE, Director
Department of Public Works
ROAN O K E February 17, 2026
Title: Appropriation of Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) Funding for
the Tinker Creek Greenway.
Background:
On November 17, 2025, City Council accepted and allocated $3,990,176 of federal funding
with VDOT oversight for the Tinker Creek Greenway from Wise Avenue to Norfolk Avenue.
Considerations:
The VDOT agreement for the project requires a local City match of$9,824.
Recommended Action:
Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to take such further actions and execute such further
documents, approved as to form by the City Attorney, as may be necessary to obtain, accept,
implement, administer, and use such funds identified above.
Adopt the accompanying Budget Ordinance to transfer the local City match from Tinker Creek
(300205) to the appropriate account, Tinker Creek Greenway —Wise to Norfolk (300264).
Valmarie Turner, City Manager
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE,VIRGINIA
The 17th day of February 2026.
No. 43354-021726.
A RESOLUTION authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to execute a Naming,
Advertising, and Sponsorship Agreement("Agreement")with Berglund Management Group, Inc.
and to take such actions as may be necessary to provide for the implementation, administration,
and enforcement of such Agreement.
WHEREAS, by Ordinance No. 40036-081814, City Council granted the naming,
advertising,and sponsorship rights for the Roanoke Civic Center to Berglund Management Group,
Inc. (Berglund), for a ten-year term commencing October 1, 2014 through September 30, 2024.
The Civic Center was thereafter named the Berglund Center;
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic caused the Berglund Center to close most of the
facility to the public for a period of time and the term of the Agreement was extended through
November 30,2025, as more fully set forth in the City Manager's Report dated February 17,2026;
and
WHEREAS, the City and Berglund have agreed to a new Naming, Advertising, and
Sponsorship Agreement for a maximum term that will not exceed three years.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Roanoke as follows:
1. That the City Manager, or designee, is authorized to execute on behalf of the City
of Roanoke the Naming, Advertising, and Sponsorship Agreement for a term of one year,with an
extension of no more than two additional one-year terms upon mutual agreement of the parties,
with an annual license fee to be paid by Berglund to the City in the annual amount of S 100,000,
and upon such other terms as stated in the above-mentioned City Manager's Report.
2. The form of such Agreement shall be substantially similar to the Agreement
attached to the City Manager's Report dated February 17, 2026, and approved as to form by the
City Attorney.
ATTEST:
City Clerk.
City Manager's Report
Submitted by: Robyn Schon
Civic Facilities
ROA N O K E February 17, 2026
Title: Execution of a Naming, Advertising, and Sponsorship Agreement for
Roanoke Civic Center with Berglund Management Group, Inc.
Background:
By Ordinance No. 40036-081814, adopted by Roanoke City Council on August 18, 2014, City
Council granted the naming rights for the Roanoke Civic Center to Berglund Management
Group, Inc. (Berglund) for a ten-year term commencing October 1, 2014, through September
30, 2024. Because the term of the naming rights agreement (Agreement) exceeded five years,
the City of Roanoke (City) was required to comply with the franchise requirements pursuant to
Section 15.2-2100, Code of Virginia, and publicly receive bids for such rights after advertising
and scheduling a public hearing. The Civic Center thereafter was named the Berglund Center
in accordance with the term of the Agreement and granted Berglund exclusive naming,
advertising, and sponsorship rights at the Berglund Center.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused the Berglund Center to close most of the
facility to the public, the term of the Agreement was extended by the amount of time the
Berglund Center was closed as required by the terms of the Agreement. The term of the
Agreement then expired on November 30, 2025.
Considerations:
The City proposes to enter into a new naming rights agreement with Berglund. The term of the
proposed new agreement is one year. The term may be extended no more than two additional
one-year terms upon the mutual agreement of the parties. The license fee Berglund shall pay
the City for such rights is $100,000 per year. In consideration of payment of the annual license
fee, the Civic Center shall continue to be named the Berglund Center, and Berglund shall have
certain rights which include, and are not limited to (i) exclusive advertising rights for
automobile related sales and services; (ii) placement of signage bearing Berglund's name
throughout the premises, (iii) rent-free use of the premises twice per year for company
functions, and a first option to sponsor events and purchase tickets to shows for its
employees. These are the same terms and conditions contained in the prior Agreement. A
copy of the proposed new naming rights agreement is attached to this Report.
Because the term of the proposed agreement does not exceed five years, the franchise
requirements under Section 15.2-2100, Code of Virginia, are not applicable and it is not
required that the City solicit bids for such naming rights prior to executing the proposed new
agreement.
Recommended Action:
Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute a naming, advertising, and sponsorship
agreement with Berglund Management Group, Inc., for an initial term of one year, subject to
two additional renewal terms of one-year each. Such agreement shall be substantially similar
in form to the agreement attached to this Report and be upon form approved by the City
Attorney.
Authorize the City Manager to take such further actions and to execute such further
documents as may be necessary to implement, administer, and enforce such naming rights
agreement.
Valmarie Turner, City Manager
NAMING, ADVERTISING, AND SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT
THIS NAMING, ADVERTISING, AND SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT ("Agreement"),
dated as of the day of , is entered into by and
between the City of Roanoke, Virginia, a Virginia municipal corporation
("Owner"), and Berglund Management Group, Inc. ("Sponsor"). Owner and
Sponsor are collectively referred to herein as the "Parties" and singularly as a
"Party" except where otherwise specified.
WITNESSETH:
WHEREAS, the City of Roanoke, Virginia, a Virginia municipal corporation
("Owner"), owns a public, multi-purpose civic center located at 710 Williamson
Road in the City of Roanoke, Virginia, bearing Roanoke Official Tax Map No.
3024004, which consists of the Coliseum, the Performing Arts Theatre, the
Special Events Center, and various exhibit halls (the "Facility") for the purpose
of holding various public events and other attractions which may be scheduled
therein;
WHEREAS, Owner has the right to designate the name of the Facility and
to license such right to others (the "Naming Rights"), and to grant certain other
sponsorship, promotional, advertising and similar rights and benefits
associated with the Facility (the "Facility Advertising Rights" and
"Merchandising Rights");
WHEREAS, Sponsor is engaged in the primary business of Automotive
Sales and Services (the "Product Category"), defined as that business
comprising more than eighty percent (80%) of Sponsor's business, and desires
to promote its business through an association with the Facility, and Owner is
willing to grant to Sponsor an exclusive franchise agreement for the Naming
Rights and Facility Advertising Rights pursuant to Section 15.2-2100 et seq., of
the Code of Virginia (1950) as amended, all subject to the terms and
conditions set forth herein; and
WHEREAS, the Council of the City of Roanoke, Virginia, authorized the
Parties to enter into this Agreement after a public hearing was advertised and
held on , , pursuant to Roanoke City Ordinance
No. adopted by City Council on February 1 7, 2026.
NOW, THEREFORE, FOR AND IN CONSIDERATION of the terms,
conditions, covenants and considerations hereinafter set forth, and the above
recitals which are incorporated herein, the Parties hereby mutually agree as
follows:
1 . LICENSE OF NAMING RIGHTS AND FACILITY ADVERTISING RIGHTS . Owner
hereby grants to Sponsor exclusive Naming Rights, Merchandising Rights, and
1
Facility Advertising Rights ("Rights") during the term of this Agreement (as
defined hereinafter) ("Term"), on the conditions contained in this Agreement.
2. NAME OF FACILITY: LOGO.
(a) Sponsor hereby names the entirety of the Facility
"Berglund Center" (the `Facility Name"), subject to the approval of Owner, for
the Term of this Agreement. The Facility will continue to be so named for the
Term of this Agreement, or until Sponsor renames the Facility in the manner
subject to the terms provided in this Agreement, or until this Agreement is
terminated in the manner herein provided.
(b) Following the date of the Agreement and within thirty (30)
days, the Parties shall jointly develop a Facility Logo, at Sponsor's expense,
which shall include the Facility Name ("Facility Logo"). The Facility Logo shall
be subject to the mutual agreement of the Parties, including the Owner. After
development and approval of the Facility Logo by the Parties, the Facility Logo
shall be attached to this Agreement as Exhibit A hereto, which Exhibit shall
then be signed by the Parties .
3. TERM.
The Initial Term of the Agreement is one year, commencing on December 1 ,
2025, and shall expire on November 30, 2026. Upon expiration of the Initial
Term, this Agreement may be renewed by the Parties for additional Extended
Terms of one (1) year each upon mutual agreement of the Parties in writing,
provided there shall be no more than two Renewal Terms pursuant to this
Agreement. The twelve (12) month period of December 1 through November
30 each year during the Initial Term and Extended Terms (collectively "Term"),
is sometimes referred to herein as a "Contract Year."
4. ANNUAL FEE.
(a) As consideration for the Rights granted by Owner to Sponsor
hereunder, Sponsor shall pay to Owner each Contract Year, including the
Extended Terms if the Extended Terms are exercised by the Parties, an annual
fee ("Annual Fee") in accordance with the following schedule:
Contract Year Annual Fee
1 . 12/1/202 5 through 1 1/30/2026 $100,000
2. 12/1/2026 through 1 1/30/2027 $100,000
3. 12/1/2027 through 1 1/30/2028 $100,000
2
The Annual Fee shall be payable in four (4) equal installments annually. For the
first year, the first installment shall be due on or before March 1st, the second
installment on or before April 1st, the third installment on or before July 1st,
and the balance due on or before October 1st of each Contract Year.
Thereafter, if renewal options are exercised by the Parties, the first installment
due on or before January 1st, the second installment on or before April 1st, the
third installment on or before July 1st, and the balance due on or before
October 1st of each Contract Year.
b. At least thirty (30) days prior to each date on which an installment
amount described in the foregoing clauses (b)(ii) and (c) are due, Owner shall
deliver to Sponsor an invoice setting forth amounts owed and the date on
which such amounts are due. All Annual Fee payments due hereunder shall be
made by Sponsor in immediately available funds of the United States by wire
transfer, certified check or bank draft, payable to Owner at its designated
address, upon receipt of invoice no later than the dates set forth above. All
sums quoted are net of any agency fees, commissions or the like that may be
payable by Sponsor to its advertising and media agencies (if any) and any
applicable taxes (if any). Sponsor's billing address is:
Sponsor: Berglund Management Group, Inc.
Address: 2009 Williamson Road, Roanoke, Virginia, 24012
Attn: William Farrell, President
Tel: (540)344-1461
E-mail: wfarrell@berglundcars.com
(or such other address as Sponsor may designate in writing in
accordance with Subsection 25 (f)).
c. Any amounts not paid when due shall accrue interest at the
rate of 1 .5% per month, or the highest rate permitted by law, whichever is less.
5. USE OF NAME.
During the Term of this Agreement, Owner, when making
reference to the Facility (including, without limitation, in its contracts,
agreements, arrangements, writings, and communications pertaining to the
Facility and with Tenants [defined below], licensees and other users, the media
and others), shall use the Facility Name and, where applicable, the Sponsor
logo, trademark and/or service mark, to the extent it is incorporated into the
Facility Name or the Facility Logo (collectively, the "Trademarks"), and shall
require all Parties contracting with Owner, including without limitation any
other tenants leasing any portion of the Facility (the "Tenants"), to refer to and
designate the Facility as aforementioned. This required use and designation of
the Facility Name and, where applicable, the Facility Logo, shall include, but
not be limited to: Internet web sites related to the Facility or referencing the
Facility, to the extent controlled by Owner or the Tenants; printed materials
generated by or on behalf of Owner or Tenants with reference to the Facility
and its address; advertising by the Facility's users or Tenants which refers to
the Facility; all schedules and admission tickets issued by any Tenant or user
3
for Facility events; and all public relations releases issued by or on behalf of
Owner, or the Tenants; provided, however, that Owner shall not be responsible
for any error or omission by third parties. Notwithstanding anything stated
herein to the contrary, isolated, inadvertent omissions of the Facility Name by
Owner or any other party in connection with the Facility shall not be deemed a
violation of this section. Sponsor agrees to provide Owner with notice and a
reasonable period in which to cure any violation of this provision, before
declaring Owner in breach of the Agreement.
6. TRADEMARKS; MERCHANDISING.
(a.) Sponsor hereby grants to Owner, its Tenants and licensees and
their respective agents, a non-exclusive, nontransferable license to use the
Trademarks during the Term and subject to the terms and conditions
hereinafter set forth in order to carry out Owner's obligations hereunder.
Owner agrees not to use or display the Trademarks in a manner that is
defamatory, misleading, libelous, obscene or otherwise damaging to the
reputation or goodwill associated with Sponsor. Owner acknowledges that
Sponsor is the sole owner of the Trademarks and of the goodwill associated
therewith, and that all use of the Trademarks by Owner and the goodwill
created thereby shall inure to the exclusive benefit of Sponsor. To the extent
that Owner has, or develops any rights in the Trademarks, including, without
limitation, in the Facility Name and the Facility Logo, Owner hereby assigns to
Sponsor all, right, title and interest therein. Sponsor shall furnish Owner with
pre-approved specimens of such Trademarks for use by the foregoing Parties
as contemplated hereby, and Owner shall not deviate therefrom (or permit
others controlled by Owner to deviate therefrom) without obtaining the prior
approval of Sponsor (not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed). Any
materials deviating from the pre-approved specimens shall be submitted by
Owner for approval by Sponsor. Such materials shall be deemed approved if
not expressly rejected by Sponsor within thirty (30) days after they are
submitted.
(b) Subject to Section 6(c), Owner shall have the exclusive merchandising
rights for all commercial marketing and merchandising of goods displaying or
using the Facility Name or the Facility Logo (including any Trademarks), or
image, or both, established under this Agreement (the "Merchandising Rights").
Owner may license or permit the commercial marketing or merchandising of
the same by others; provided, however, that (i) no Competitor (as defined in
Section 7 below) shall be a permitted licensee of the Merchandising Rights; and
(ii) Owner shall require its licensees of the Merchandising Rights to use the
Facility Name and Facility Logo in a tasteful manner.
(c) Sponsor shall have the right to use the Facility Name or Facility Logo in
its advertisements and/or promotions, but only for the limited purpose of
publicizing the Sponsor's sponsorship of the Facility in connection with
Sponsor's own general marketing efforts. All Uses of the Facility Name or
Facility Logo by Sponsor shall be subject to the prior reasonable approval of
Owner.
4
7. EXCLUSIVITY WITHIN PRODUCT CATEGORY.
(a) Sponsor shall have exclusive advertising, signage and
Promotional rights with respect to all permanent signage within or at the
Facility within the Product Category ("Facility Advertising Rights"), hereinafter
defined as Sponsor's business of selling and providing Automotive Sales and
Services and which comprises more than eighty percent (80%) of Sponsor's
business, and, except as otherwise expressly provided herein, Owner shall not
permit any Competitor (defined below) to advertise or promote themselves
generally or any products with the Product Category on permanent signage at
the Facility, unless otherwise approved by Sponsor. For purposes of this
Agreement, the term "Competitor" shall mean any firm, company or other
person other than Sponsor that is engaged in the primary business of
Automotive Sales and Services, and which comprises more than eighty percent
(80%) of Competitor's business.
(b) By way of example and not limitation, because Sponsor's
rights to exclusivity within the Product Category are limited to permanent
signage within or at the Facility, (i) Owner shall be able to engage, or permit its
licensees, promoters or other sponsors of events at the Facility to engage
Competitors as sponsors or advertisers of one-time or limited engagement
events at the Facility and, in connection therewith, the display of temporary
banners, signs and similar event-specific materials for such Competitor or their
products or services shall not be deemed a violation of the grant of exclusivity
provided for herein and (ii) hospitality and associated promotional
announcements at the Facility for any person (including a Competitor) shall
also be permitted.
8. SIGNS, ADVERTISING AND ADDITIONAL RIGHTS.
(a) Marquees. Owner may at its election, design and expense,
construct and install Logo signs on two (2) freestanding outdoor electronic
marquees (the "Marquees") for placement and display on the marquee sign
entrance to the Facility adjacent to Williamson Road, and on the side of the
Facility adjacent to U.S. 1-581 . The Marquees shall include the Facility Name
prominently displayed (at no additional expense to Sponsor) during the Term
and, among other things, promote current and future events at the Facility.
Owner and Sponsor will consult with each other regarding the design of the
Logos for the Marquees (and any replacement Marquee, if applicable), and the
final determination of these matters shall be mutually agreed upon by the
Parties (subject, however, to any applicable limitations imposed by zoning
ordinance and other applicable legal requirements). After the redesigned signs
(Logo only) are installed, the Marquees shall remain the property of Owner.
(c) Other Exterior Signage. During the Term, Owner shall
prominently display the Facility Name on the following signs, each of which
shall be subject to Sponsor's reasonable approval with respect to design and
specifications and must be in compliance with City zoning laws for
"Conservation District":
5
• On Coliseum wall facing west or north
• On Performing Arts Theatre wall facing south
• On the fascia overhead of the entrance to the Exhibit Hall
(d) Interior Signage and Advertising. During the Term,
Owner shall display the Facility Name or Sponsor advertising (as specified
below) on the following interior advertising signs and elements and provide
Sponsor with the following additional rights and benefits:
• Four (4) signs located on the upper band of the Coliseum
scoreboard.
• Facility Name on two (2) exterior concourse columns.
• Center ice logo when ice is installed.
• Center logo on basketball court.
• Lettering above Box Offices and Administrative Office.
• Naming rights exposure on concourse TV monitors
throughout Coliseum, excluding concessions menu
boards.
• Logo painted on four (4) bands located in the alcove
corners of the Coliseum.
(d) Miscellaneous Facility Name or Facility Logo Identification. During
the Term, Owner shall have the Facility Name or Facility Logo identification
included with all official Facility references, including all uniforms of Facility
employees (excluding concessions personnel), printed catering and concession
menus, letterhead stationery, business cards, envelopes, Christmas cards,
news or press releases generated by Owner or its Tenants or licensees or their
respective agents, announcements of coming events, printed event schedules
and other printed advertising or promotional brochures, banners, social media,
posters, merchandise or other materials of or relating to the Facility, and
public address announcements for the Facility during Facility events; provided,
however, that with respect to this clause, Owner may also allow the names or
logos of other companies (other than Competitors as defined in Section 7
above) to appear on such items.
(e) Miscellaneous Marketing Opportunities. During the Term,
Sponsor shall have the right to engage in various cooperative marketing
opportunities with Owner, including sponsorship of or participation in the
following:
• Basketball Games
• Concerts
• Family Shows
• Graduations
• Television Advertising
• Print Advertising
• Radio Advertising
6
• Venue Website
• Other
(f) Signage Evolution.
(i) Sponsor and Owner acknowledge that signage and
advertising opportunities in the Facility may evolve over the course of the
Term, and the advertising and sponsorship elements described in this Section
8 may be changed by mutual agreement of the Parties. All signage must be
approved by the Owner, to ensure signage consistency throughout the Facility.
(ii) In addition, if any of the original elements
enumerated herein is for any reason discontinued or no longer available,
Owner shall have the right, without being deemed in breach hereof, to modify
the elements and/or substitute others of at least equivalent value (in the
aggregate), as such value is determined by Owner in its reasonable discretion
based upon Owner's then-applicable rates. Furthermore, the Parties each
recognize that laws, rules or regulations may, from time to time, preclude
various rights being exercised under this Agreement, which may dilute the
promotional value granted to Sponsor hereunder. In such event, Owner and
Sponsor will negotiate in good faith with respect to new and/or additional
elements which may restore substantially all of the promotional value herein
granted, but in no event shall the Annual Fees paid by Sponsor to Owner
hereunder be reduced as a result of the preclusive effect of such laws, rules or
regulations.
(g) Website. The Owner shall create and maintain a website for the
Facility that shall include the name of the Facility. Sponsor shall be referenced
on the homepage of the website with a link to the Sponsor's website.
(h) Facility Marketing/Advertising for Events.
(i) An audio/visual logo of the Facility shall be included on
all television spots placed for the Facility.
(ii)The Facility Logo shall be included in all print ads (upcoming
events, show specific ads, industry publication ads). The Facility Name shall be
mentioned in all public relations press releases and hits (for example:
advances stories, upcoming events, and new hires).
(iii) The Facility Name shall be mentioned in all radio spots and
promotions as well as on social media assets (radio spots, promos, calendar
listings).
(i) Additional Benefits.
(i) Twice during each Contract Year during the Term,
Sponsor shall have the right to the rent-free use of the Facility for a private
company function of Sponsor. Sponsor shall be responsible for all costs
7
related to said event, including without limitation, labor, change-over,
electricity and rental equipment, and food and beverage costs in connection
with said event. Such uses will be coordinated with Sponsor and approved by
Owner based upon availability of the Facility and any booked or held event(s).
(ii) During the Term, Sponsor shall have the right to use
photos, videos, images, and logos of the Facility itself (not events) for the
purpose of developing and creating advertising and promotional materials,
subject to Sponsor securing all third-party rights related to such materials.
(j) Parking Lot Use.
(i) During the Term, Owner agrees to allow Sponsor one
(1) two-day rent-free use of the Parking Lots on the north side of the Facility for
a special event. This two-day event will be coordinated with Sponsor and
approved by Owner based upon availability of the Facility and any booked or
held event(s). Sponsor shall be required to enter into the Facility's standard
lease agreement regarding the use of the Parking Lot(s). Staffing and food and
beverage are not included in the cost/use of the Facility and would be the
responsibility of Sponsor.
(k) Other Exclusive Rights.
(i) Sponsor shall have the first option to sponsor
specific events for which the Owner has control over sponsorship rights at the
Facility. Sponsor has seven (7) days after receipt of the offer of sponsorship to
accept said offer, which offer shall include the price of sponsorship.
(ii) Sponsor shall have the right to present its
employees, customers and clients with the first option to purchase tickets to
event for which the Owner has the ability to hold a "pre-sale," so-called, prior
to the general public. Owner and Sponsor shall reach a mutually acceptable
agreement for each such event.
9. LIMITATIONS ON RIGHTS.
(a) All Rights not expressly granted to Sponsor herein are
hereby reserved to Owner and the Facility's various present and future tenants
and licensees from time to time. Sponsor hereby acknowledges and agrees that
Owner has retained the sole and exclusive right to enter into signage and
advertising commitments with other Parties and cause additional signage and
advertising to be displayed throughout and with respect to the Facility,
provided only that such signage and advertising does not violate the terms and
conditions of this Agreement.
(b) Display and, if applicable, illumination of signage shall be
limited to those events for which the Facility is open to the general public, and
illumination of signage shall further be limited to those events in which
illumination is appropriate. Such display and illuminations shall further be
subject to any reasonable restrictions imposed by any third-party event
promoters.
8
10. SIGN AND ADVERTISING PRODUCTION; SIGN MAINTENANCE; SIGN
REPLACEMENT.
(a) All permanent exterior signs and other permanent fabricated
references or installations for the Facility Name, Facility Logo or Sponsor
enumerated herein shall be initially produced, fabricated and installed at the
sole cost and expense of Owner, provided that Sponsor shall be producing the
design for such signage and fabricated references at its expense. Except as
otherwise contemplated by Section 11 , no changes shall be made with respect
to Facility Name or Facility Logo signage once it is installed without the mutual
agreement of the Parties.
(i) In the event Sponsor directs that any advertising
signage be changed or related/alternated by Owner with other Sponsor
advertising during the Term, Sponsor shall be responsible for the
production and fabrication thereof and for the actual installation/removal
expenses incurred by Owner as a result thereof.
(ii) In addition, if Sponsor desires that Owner store any
of Sponsor's permanent advertising signage during the Term, Owner
shall store such signage in the Facility (provided that Owner has storage
capacity), in exchange for Sponsor's paying a reasonable rental fee to
Owner promptly upon receipt of Owner's invoice therefore. Owner shall
not be responsible or have any liability whatsoever for any loss, damage
or theft of such signage while stored by Owner, and Sponsor shall be
solely responsible for procuring the necessary coverage to insure against
such loss, damage or theft as well as any loss or damage to any person
or the property of the Owner arising out of the storage of Sponsor's
signage at the Facility.
(b) Owner shall clean and use reasonable efforts to
maintain in a state of reasonably good condition and repair, reasonable wear
and tear excepted, the Marquees and all other signs identifying the Facility or
advertising Sponsor as required by this Agreement after their installation.
(c) In the event Sponsor changes its name or logo or desires to
replace the Marquee Logos after its initial installation (only to the extent
permitted pursuant to this Agreement), Sponsor shall be responsible, at its
cost and expense, for the design, production, and installation of such
replacement Marquee Logos. Once installed, title to any replacement Marquee
Logos shall vest with Owner. Any such changes shall be subject to the
reasonable approval of Owner and any applicable zoning or other legal
requirements. Sponsor shall be responsible for all permit fees and expenses
associated with approval of new signage
(d) With respect to all other advertising and promotions for Sponsor
described herein (i.e., other than permanent signage described in Subsection
10(a) above), Sponsor shall furnish the associated advertising and promotional
material at its cost and expense and be responsible for all production costs
9
with respect to the advertising and promotional materials which are subjects of
this Agreement. Sponsor shall also be responsible for the production and
installation costs of any and all changes to interior Facility signage, including
the basketball court and center ice logo.
(e) Owner shall have the absolute right to approve all signage and
other advertising features which are to be furnished by Sponsor hereunder,
which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld, and all such material will
be considered approved if not expressly rejected by Owner within thirty (30)
days after it is submitted.
11 . RENAMING.
(a) In the event Sponsor desires to rename the Facility during the Term,
Sponsor shall do so only with the consent of Owner, which consent Owner
may, in its sole discretion withhold, it being in part the purpose of this
Agreement to establish a consistent and continuous name for the Facility
during the Term. In the event that the proposed renaming occurs in connection
with (i) the merger of Sponsor into a third-party, or (ii) the sale of all or
substantially all of the stock or assets of Sponsor to a third-party, then Sponsor
shall have the right to rename the Facility upon providing at least one hundred
and eighty (180) days prior written notice to Owner (i.e., but without seeking
Owner's consent), subject to the provisions of Section 14. Provided, however, if
Sponsor merges with a third-party, who in the determination of Owner,
conflicts with the business principles, image, or otherwise, of Owner, then
Owner may terminate this Agreement. Sponsor and Owner shall coordinate the
timing of the name change to minimize the costs associated therewith; it being
understood that Sponsor shall reimburse Owner for any out-of-pocket costs or
expenses Owner incurs as a result of such name change (including without
limitation the cost or expense of removing existing signage referencing the
Facility Name or Facility Logo, designing and producing new signage (which
shall be subject to the reasonable approval of Owner) and installing such new
signage in or at the Facility).
(b) Notwithstanding anything stated herein to the contrary, (i) in no
event may Sponsor rename the Facility more than once during the Term, and
(ii) Sponsor will not have the right to rename the Facility if any of the
transactions described in clause (i) or (ii) of subsection (a) above, in Owner's
reasonable opinion, create or tend to create a negative connotation for, or
impair or tend to impair the goodwill of, the Facility. If such an event happens,
then Owner may, at its sole option, elect to terminate this Agreement upon
giving prior written notice to Sponsor, with such termination to be effective as
of the closing date of the above-referenced transaction. Upon any such
termination, Owner shall, if applicable, provide Sponsor with a refund of any
unearned portion of any Annual Fee paid, based on the date of such closing.
10
12. DESTRUCTION OF FACILITY: CESSATION OR INTERRUPTION OF
OPERATIONS; CLOSURE OF FACILITY.
(a) If the Facility is wholly or substantially destroyed or condemned,
Owner will determine whether or not Owner will rebuild the Facility within a
reasonable time, and Owner will promptly notify Sponsor of Owner's intention
in writing. If Owner determines it will rebuild, then the Term shall be extended
by an amount of time equal to the time that elapsed between the date of the
last event held at the Facility prior to its destruction and the date of the first
event held subsequent thereto, to the extent such period exceeds ninety (90)
days. If Owner (i) determines it will not rebuild the Facility or (ii) does not
substantially rebuild the Facility within eighteen (18) months, then this
Agreement shall terminate as of the date of the last event and, if applicable,
Owner shall refund to Sponsor the earned portion of any Annual Fee paid,
based on the termination date.
(b) In addition, upon the cessation or material interruption of use or
operation, for any other reason whatsoever, or no reason (including but not
limited due to a force majeure not described in Subsection 12(a) above), the
Term shall be extended by an amount of time equal to the time that elapsed
between the date of the last event held at the Facility prior to the cessation or
material interruption of operations and the date of the first event held
subsequent thereto, to the extent such period exceeds ninety (90) days.
During any temporary cessation of business as described in Section 12(a) or
(b), the payment schedule for any Annual Fees shall also cease and resume
only upon the date of the first event held after such cessation, and shall
continue until the expiration of any extension of the Term resulting from the
cessation or material use or operation of the Facility.
(c) The Owner retains the right, in Owner's sole discretion, to
permanently close or cease operations of the Facility. Any such closure or
cessation of operations shall not be deemed a breach of this Agreement by
Owner, but Owner shall, if applicable, provide Sponsor with a refund of any
unearned portion of any Annual Fee paid, based on the actual closing date of
the Facility.
1 3. EFFECT OF EARLY TERMINATION.
Upon termination of this Agreement for any reason prior to the end of the
Term, Owner shall, within a reasonable time not to exceed ninety (90) days,
remove, at its discretion, either the signs bearing the Facility Name and Facility
Logo or remove the Facility Name and Facility Logo from the signs and use
commercially reasonable efforts to remove or replace all other references to
the Facility Name and Facility Logo contained in all other official Facility
materials and items as soon as practicable; and remove and, at Sponsor's
election, either destroy or make available to Sponsor for pick-up all other
Sponsor signage then displayed though out the Facility. Upon termination
Owner shall rename the Facility subject to approval by the Owner, and Owner
shall cease from referring to the Facility by the Facility Name and using the
Facility Logo, except that reference by others to the established name or logo
11
shall not be a violation of this Agreement or give rise to any legal or equitable
claim or cause of action against either Party hereto. Owner shall make
reasonable efforts to notify Parties contracting with Owner or its agents to
cease and desist from referring to the Facility by the Facility Name. In addition,
upon any such termination Sponsor will cease and desist from referring to the
Facility by the Facility Name or using the Facility Logo or including such
reference in any marketing literature or campaign.
14. ASSIGNABILITY AND TRANSFERABILITY; SALE OF RIGHTS. Except as
otherwise provided in this Section 14, the rights and obligations created by
this Agreement are exclusive to and shall not be transferred or assigned by
Sponsor or Owner, except by written agreement by both Sponsor and Owner.
a. (i) Owner may assign this Agreement and/or its rights or
duties hereunder, in whole or in part, for administrative, operational and/or
financing purposes to another entity, upon written approval of Owner. The
Parties agree that the assignee of Owner, if such an assignment should be
made, shall be able to enforce the provisions of the Agreement pursuant to
such assignment without the further consent of Sponsor.
(ii) The Parties acknowledge and agree that Owner may
delegate certain or all of its duties in connection with this Agreement.
(iii) If, during the Term, the Owner sells, transfers or conveys
the Owner's interest in the Facility (including its right to name the Facility),
such sale, transfer or conveyance shall be subject to the rights of Sponsor as
contained in this Agreement, and Owner shall provide as part of said
transaction to a third-party transferee that the transfer assumes Owner's rights
and obligations herein. Upon such transfer to a third-party transferee, Sponsor
shall look to the transferee for performance of Owner's duties and obligations
under this Agreement, and Owner will be fully and completely released from
liability to Sponsor under this Agreement.
b. (i) Sponsor shall not assign or transfer this Agreement and/or
its rights or duties hereunder (by operation of law or otherwise) without the
prior written consent of Owner; provided, however, that, if Sponsor is merged
into (which constitutes a change in control or a renaming of Sponsor), acquire
by, or sells all or substantially all of its assets to, a third- party that is
financially capable of performing Sponsor's duties and obligations hereunder
(as determined by Owner in its reasonable discretion), then Sponsor shall have
the right to assign or transfer this Agreement upon providing written notice
to Owner and obtaining Owner's consent. If Sponsor both assigns its rights
and delegates its duties hereunder to a third-party or affiliate pursuant to and
as permitted by this paragraph and such person agrees in writing to be bound
by the provisions hereof, Sponsor shall thereupon be released and discharged
from any further liability or obligation hereunder. Sponsor agrees to provide
Owner with such financial statements and other financial information as Owner
may reasonably request in order for Owner to confirm the financial capabilities
of any assignee or transferee hereunder.
12
(ii) Sponsor acknowledges and agrees that Sponsor does not
have the right to sub-license any of its rights hereunder and, therefore, may
not engage in any co-branding or partnering arrangement with any other
advertiser or Sponsor with respect to any of the rights or benefits granted
hereunder without the prior written approval of Owner, which approval may be
withheld in their sole discretion.
1 5. CONFIDENTIALITY/NON-DISCLOSURE. With respect to the entering into
of this Agreement, Sponsor and Owner shall not, and shall not permit any
agent thereof, to issue any press release or make any public statement with
respect thereto without mutual consent, except as may be required by law and
then only with such prior consultation. The Parties acknowledge that Owner is
subject to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act and acknowledge that this
Agreement is a public document.
16. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES:
(a) Owner hereby represents and warrants to Sponsor as follows:
(i) Owner has the full legal right and power and all authority
and approval required to enter into, execute and deliver this
Agreement, and perform the transactions and obligations
contemplated herein.
(ii) The execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement by or on behalf of Owner does not and will not: (a)
violate any provision of Owner's organizational documents; (b)
violate, conflict with, or result in the breach of any of the terms
of any contract, mortgage, bond, indenture or other instrument,
obligation, contract or agreement to which Owner is a Party; (c)
violate or conflict with any writ, order, judgment, injunction,
award or decree of any court, arbitrator or governmental or
regulatory agency or body by which Owner is bound; or (d)
violate or conflict with any statute, law, regulation, rule or
ordinance by which Owner is bound.
(iii) This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by
or on behalf of Owner and constitutes the legal, valid and binding
obligation of Owner, enforceable in accordance with its terms
(assuming due execution, delivery and performance by Sponsor)
subject, however, to general principles of equity and the rights of
creditors generally.
(b) Sponsor hereby represents and warrants to Owner as follows:
(i) Sponsor is duly organized and validly existing as a limited
partnership under the laws of the State of and authorized to conduct
business as limited foreign partnership under the laws of the
Commonwealth of Virginia and has the requisite power and authority to
own, lease and operate its assets and properties and to carry on its
13
activities as they are presently being, and as they continue to be,
conducted.
(ii) The execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement by Sponsor does not and will not: (a) violate any provision of
its organizational documents; (b) violate, conflict with, or result in the
breach of any of the terms of any contract, mortgage, bond, indenture
or other instrument, obligation, contract or agreement to which Sponsor
is a Party; (c) violate or conflict with any writ, order, judgment,
injunction, award or decree of any court, arbitrator or governmental or
regulatory agency or body by which Sponsor is bound; or (d) violate or
conflict with any statue, law, regulation, rule or ordinance by which
Sponsor is bound.
(iii) Sponsor has the full legal right and power and all authority
and approval required to enter into, execute and deliver this Agreement
and perform the transactions and obligations contemplated herein.
(iv) This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered and
constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of Sponsor,
enforceable in accordance with its terms (assuming due execution,
delivery and performance by or on behalf of Owner), subject, however,
to general principles of equity and the rights of creditors generally.
1 7. TERMINATION UPON DEFAULT; REMEDIES.
(a) A default shall be deemed to have occurred hereunder if:
(i) Sponsor defaults in the making of the payments required to be
made by it under Section 4 hereof after Owner has given Sponsor at
least thirty (30) days written notice under this Agreement and said
thirty (30) days have elapsed and such payment is due and payable.
(ii) Owner or Sponsor defaults in the performance or observance of
any other term, covenant, condition or provision of this Agreement on
its part to be performed, such default is of a kind which is curable or
remediable within a thirty (30) day period, and such default continues
for a period of thirty (30) days after service of written notice of default.
(iii) Owner or Sponsor defaults in the performance or observance of
any other term, covenant, condition or provision of this Agreement, cure
is possible, and the curing or remedying of such default requires the
doing of work or the taking of action which cannot with due diligence be
completed in a thirty (30) day period, such default continues beyond the
end of the 30-day period after the service of a notice of default, and
such amount of time as is reasonably necessary to cure or remedy such
default, taking into account unavoidable delays to do the work required
or to compete such other action as is required to cure or remedy the
default in question;
14
(iv) There shall be filed against Sponsor or Owner in any court
pursuant to any federal or state statute, a petition in bankruptcy or
insolvency or for reorganization or for the appointment of a receiver or
trustee of all or substantially all of said Party's property and within one
hundred and twenty (120) days of such filing said Party fails to secure a
discharge of such petition or the dismissal of such proceedings, or said
Party files a voluntary petition in bankruptcy or insolvency or for such
reorganization or for the appointment of such a receiver or trustee or
makes an assignment of the benefit of creditors or petitions for or
enters into an arrangement for the benefit of creditors;
b. (i) Within a reasonable time after the occurrence of any default which
is continuing, the non-defaulting Party shall, if it so elects, have the
right to terminate the Agreement upon giving the defaulting Party notice
of intention to terminate the Agreement and all rights of the defaulting
Party thereunder and, upon the effective date of such termination
specified in such notice (which shall be not less than 10 days after the
giving of such notice), the Term shall end as fully and completely as if
that were the date herein fixed for the expiration of the Term.
(ii) In the event of a material beach by either Party of any of the
terms, covenants, conditions or provisions hereof, the non-breaching
Party shall have the right to apply for an injunction to restrain the same
or invoke any other remedy allowed by law or in equity, including,
without limitation, the right to money damages, as if specific remedies,
indemnity or reimbursement were not herein provided for. Without
limiting such remedies available to Owner, in the event Sponsor defaults
or terminates this Agreement before the end of the Term, which default
or termination is not otherwise cured, Owner shall have the right to
accelerate the remaining amounts due by Sponsor for all of the Contract
Years remaining under the Term of this Agreement, immediately due
and payable, which Sponsor agrees to pay Owner.
(iii) The rights and remedies given to the non-defaulting Party in this
Agreement are distinct, separate and cumulative remedies, and no one
of them, whether or not exercised by the non-defaulting Party, shall be
deemed to be in exclusion of any of the others provided herein or by
equity.
18. INDEMNIFICATION.
(a) Sponsor agrees to and hereby does indemnify, defend and
hold harmless Owner, and its directors, officers, Commissioners, employees,
and agents and assigns, and the Roanoke Civic Center Commission, of and
from any and all Losses resulting from a third Party claim made against
Sponsor, Owner, Owner, or the Roanoke Civic Center Commission, resulting
from (i) any breach or failure of performance hereunder by Sponsor or any
officer, director, agent, subcontractor or employee thereof; (ii) any negligence
or willful misconduct on the part of Sponsor or any officer, director, agent,
subcontractor, employee, guest or invited thereof; and (iii) the content and/or
15
use of the advertising and/or other commercial material which Sponsor
furnishes for use pursuant to this Agreement. This Section 18 shall survive
any termination or expiration of this Agreement.
(b) In order to invoke this indemnity, the Party seeking
indemnification must (i) give the other Party notice of the Loss giving rise to
the liability as soon as reasonably practicable after becoming aware of the Loss
or after receiving third-party notice of the Loss, as the case may be (and in any
event not more than thirty (30) days after any third-party litigation is
commenced asserting such claim), and (ii) cooperate with the other Party in
defending any third-party claim, at the indemnifying Party's expense.
19. INSURANCE.
During the Term hereof, Sponsor shall, at its sole cost and expense, procure
and maintain insurance in the amounts stated below. Sponsor shall cause its
general liability insurance to name Owner, Owner, and the Roanoke Civic
Center Commission, and such Parties' agents, employees, and assigns, as an
additional insured. All insurance and bonds shall be effective prior to the
beginning of any work by Sponsor within the City.
(a) Commercial General Liability. Sponsor shall maintain during the
life of the Agreement Commercial General Liability insurance coverage
on an occurrence basis insuring against all claims, loss, cost, damage,
expense or liability from loss of life or damage or injury to persons or
property arising out of any of the work or activity under or by virtue of
this Agreement. The minimum limits of liability for this coverage shall
be $1 ,000,000 combined single limit for any one occurrence and
$1 ,000,000 aggregate.
(b) Contractual Liability. Sponsor shall maintain during the life of its
Agreement broad form Contractual Liability insurance including the
indemnification obligation set forth in this Agreement if it is not
included in the Commercial General Liability insurance coverage in (b)
above.
(c) Umbrella Coverage. The insurance coverages and amounts set
forth in subsections (b), (c), (d) and (e) of this Section may be met by an
umbrella liability Policy following the form of the underlying primary
coverage in a minimum amount of $ 1 ,000,000. Should an umbrella
liability insurance coverage Policy be used, such coverage shall be
accompanied by a certificate of endorsement stating that it applies to
the specific Policy numbers indicated for the insurance providing the
overages required by subsections (b), (c), (d) and (e), and it is further
agreed that such statement shall be made a part of the certificate of
insurance furnished by Sponsor to the Owner.
(d) Evidence of Insurance. All insurance shall meet the following
requirements:
16
(1) The Sponsor shall furnish the Owner with a certificate or
certificates of insurance showing the type, amount, effective dates and
date of expiration of the policies. The Owner shall be notified of any
deductible greater than 10% of the policy limit and such deductible shall
be subject to approval of the Owner, which shall not be unreasonably
withheld. However, this deductible requirement shall not apply to pre-
funded/fully funded deductible programs upon proper documentation
acceptable to the Owner.
(2) The required certificate or certificates of insurance shall include
substantially the following statement: "The insurance covered by this
certificate shall not be canceled or materially altered, except after thirty
(30) days written notice has been provided to Facility and the City of
Roanoke."
(3) Except for Workers' Compensation coverage and Employer's
Liability coverage, the required certificate or certificates of insurance
shall name the Owner and the Owner and their respective officers,
agents, employees and volunteers, and the Roanoke Civic Center
Commission as additional insureds in connection with this Agreement.
(4) Insurance coverage shall be in a form and with an insurance
company approved by the Owner which approval shall not be
unreasonably withheld. Any insurance company providing coverage
under this Agreement shall be authorized to do business in the
Commonwealth of Virginia.
20. NONDISCRIMINATION
a. During the performance of this Agreement, Sponsor agrees as
follows:
(1) Sponsor will not discriminate against any employee or applicant
for employment because of race, religion, color, sex, national origin,
age, disability, or any other basis prohibited by state law relating to
discrimination in employment, except where there is a bona fide
occupational qualification reasonably necessary to the normal operation
of the Sponsor. Sponsor agrees to post in conspicuous places, available
to employees and applicants for employment, notices setting forth the
provisions of this nondiscrimination clause.
(2) Sponsor in all solicitations or advertisements for employees
placed by or on behalf of Sponsor will state that Sponsor is an equal
opportunity employer.
(3) Notices, advertisements and solicitations placed in accordance
with federal law, rule or regulations shall be deemed sufficient for the
purpose of meeting the requirements of this section.
17
b. Sponsor will include the provisions of the foregoing Section a (1 ,
2, and 3) in every subcontract or purchase order of over $10,000 in
connection with the performance of this Agreement, so that the
provisions will be binding upon each subcontractor or vendor.
21 . DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE
a. During the performance of this Agreement, Sponsor agrees to (i)
provide a drug free workplace for Sponsor's employees; (ii) post in
conspicuous places, available to employees and applicants for
employment, a statement notifying employees that the unlawful
manufacture, sale, distribution, dispensation, possession, or use of a
controlled substance or marijuana is prohibited in the workplace and
specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violations
of such prohibition; (iii) state in all solicitations or advertisements for
employees placed by or on behalf of Sponsor that Sponsor maintains a
drug free workplace; and (iv) include the provisions of the foregoing
clauses in every subcontract or purchase order of over $10,000, so that
the provisions will be binding upon each subcontractor or vendor.
b. For the purposes of this section, "drug free workplace" means a
site for the performance of work done in connection with a specific
contract awarded to a contractor, the employees of whom are prohibited
from engaging in the unlawful manufacture, sale, distribution,
dispensation, possession or use of any controlled substance or
marijuana during the performance of this Agreement.
22. FAITH BASED ORGANIZATIONS
Pursuant to Virginia Code Section 2.2-4343.1 , all Parties shall be
advised that the Owner does not discriminate against faith-based
organizations.
23. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND REGULATIONS, AND IMMIGRATION LAW.
Sponsor agrees to and will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local
laws, ordinances, and regulations, including, but not limited to all applicable
licensing requirements, environmental regulations, and OSHA regulations.
Sponsor further agrees that Sponsor does not and shall not during the
performance of this Agreement; knowingly employ an unauthorized alien as
defined in the Federal Immigration Reform & Control Act of 1986.
24. MISCELLANEOUS.
(a) Governing Law; Jurisdiction. This Agreement and all matters or
issues incident hereto shall be governed by and construed under and in
accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without regard to
principles of conflicts of law. Venue for resolution of all disputes arising
hereunder shall be in the City of Roanoke, Virginia.
18
(b) Entire Agreement. This Agreement and its Exhibits constitutes the
final, complete and exclusive written expression of the intent of the Parties
with respect to the subject matter hereof, and supersedes all previous verbal
and written communications, representations, agreements, promises or
statements, and all contemporaneous verbal communications, representations,
agreements, promises or statements.
(c) Cooperation. Each Party agrees to cooperate with the other
in executing any documents necessary to carry out the intent and purposes of
this Agreement.
(d) Severability. If any term of this Agreement is found to be void or
invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the remaining terms of this Agreement,
which shall continue in full force and effect. The Parties intend that the
provisions of this Agreement be enforced to the fullest extent permitted by
applicable law. Accordingly, the Parties agree that if any provisions are
deemed not enforceable, they shall be deemed modified to the extent
necessary to make them enforceable.
(e) Successors. The terms, conditions, provisions and undertakings of
this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of each of the
Parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.
(f) Notices and Addresses. All notices required to be given
under this Agreement shall be given by personal delivery or by certified or
registered mail, or overnight mail, addressed to the proper Party to the
following addresses, or at such other address as may be subsequently given
pursuant to this Section, and shall be deemed given (1) when delivered by
personal delivery, (2) three (3) days after deposited in the United States mail,
postage prepaid, or (3) one (1) day after depositing, charges prepaid, with an
overnight courier:
IF TO SPONSOR:
Sponsor: Berglund Management Group, Inc.
Address: 2009 Williamson Road, Roanoke, Virginia, 2401 2
Attn: William Farrell, President
Tel (540)344-1461
E-mail: wfarrell@berglundcars.com
IF TO OWNER:
City of Roanoke, Virginia
For Berglund Center
ATTN: Robyn Schon Smith, General Manager
710 Williamson Road, N.E.
Roanoke, Virginia, 2401 5
19
(g) Amendment, Modification, or Alteration. No amendment,
modification or alteration of the terms of this Agreement shall be binding
unless in writing, dated subsequent to the date hereon and duly executed by
the Parties hereto.
(h) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any
number of counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all
such counterparts together shall constitute but one and the same instrument.
(i) Headings Only for Reference. The titles of sections of this
Agreement are for reference purposes only, and shall be of no binding effect.
(j) Status of Parties. Sponsor and Owner shall be deemed
and construed as independent contractors with respect to one another for all
purposes and nothing contained in this Agreement shall be determined to
create a partnership or joint venture between Sponsor and Owner.
(k) Waiver. The waiver by either Sponsor or Owner of any
default or breach by the other Party of any of the provisions of this Agreement
shall not be deemed a continuing waiver or waiver of any other breach by the
other Party of the same or another provision of this Agreement. In order to be
binding, any waiver must be in writing and signed by the Party against whom
enforcement is sought.
(I) Binding Effect. This Agreement shall be binding upon and shall inure
to the benefit of the Parties hereto and their respective successors and assigns.
(m) Employee Status. It is understood and agreed that no
agent, servant or employee of Sponsor or any of its agents or subcontractors
shall be, under any circumstances, deemed an agent, servant or employee of
Owner and that no agent, servant or employee of Owner or any of its agents or
subcontractors shall be, under any circumstances, deemed an agent, servant or
employee of Sponsor.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this Agreement by their
authorized representatives as of the date first written above.
SPONSOR NAME
BERGLUND MANAGEMENT GROUP, INC.
By:
Witness Name: William Farrell
Title: President
20
CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA, a
Virginia Municipal Corporation
By:
Witness Valmarie H. Turner, City Manager
Authorized pursuant to Ordinance No.
Approved as to Form:
Deputy City Attorney
21
Exhibit A
of the
Naming, Advertising and Sponsorship Agreement
between
the City of Roanoke and
Berglund Management Group, Inc.
Facility Logo
BERGLUND CENTER
BERGWND `
CLN1LRy--\•
22
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE,VIRGINIA
The 17th day of February 2026.
No. 43355-021726.
AN ORDINANCE amending and reordaining Sections 32-239,Definitions, 32-240,Levied;rate,
32-241,Exceptions, 32-242, Collection, 32-243,Report and remittances, 32-244,Failure to collect,report
or remit, 32-245,Records to be kept,32-248,Powers and duties of commissioner of revenue under article,
Article X, Transient Occupancy Tax, Chapter 32, Taxation, Code of the City of Roanoke (1979) as
amended, by amending the aforementioned sections to align with changes made to the Code of Virginia
for collection of the transient occupancy tax; providing for an effective date; and dispensing with the
second reading by title of this ordinance.
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Roanoke as follows:
1. Sections 32-239,Definitions, 32-240, Levied; rate, 32-241, Exceptions, 32-242,
Collection, 32-243, Report and remittances, 32-244, Failure to collect,report or remit, 32-245, Records
to be kept, 32-248, Powers and duties of commissioner of revenue under article, Article X,Transient
Occupancy Tax, Chapter 32,Taxation, Code of the City of Roanoke, are hereby amended and
reordained to read and provide as follows:
Sec. 32-239. Definitions.
The following words and phrases,when used in this article, shall have the following
respective meanings,except where the context clearly indicates a different meaning:
"Accommodations"shall mean, any room or space for which tax is imposed on the
retail sale pursuant to this article, and includes, but is not limited to, any public or
private hotel, inn, apartment, hostelry, tourist home or house, motel, rooming house,
or other lodging place within the city of Roanoke offering lodging, and the owner
and operator thereof who for compensation,furnishes lodging to any transients as
hereinafter defined.
"Accommodations fee"shall mean the room charge less the discount room charge,
if any;provided, that the accommodations fee shall not be less than $0.00.
"Accommodations intermediary" shall mean any person other than an
accommodations provider that (i) facilitates the sale of one or more
accommodations, and (ii) either (a) charges a room charge to the customer, and
charges an accommodations fee to the customer, which fee it retains as
compensation for facilitating the sale; (b)collects a room charge from the customer;
or (c) charges a fee, other than an accommodations fee, to the customer, which fee
it retains as compensation for facilitating the sale. For purposes of this definition,
'facilitates the sale" includes brokering, coordinating, or in any other way
arranging for the purchase of the right to use accommodations via a transaction
directly, including via one or more payment processors, between a customer and an
accommodations provider.
"Accommodations intermediary"does not include a person:
1. If the accommodations are provided by an accommodations provider
operating under a trademark, trade name, or service mark belonging to such person;
2. Who facilitates the sale of an accommodation if(i) the price paid by the
customer to such person is equal to the price paid by such person to the
accommodations provider for the use of the accommodations and (ii) the only
compensation received by such person for facilitating the sale of the accommodation
is a commission paid from the accommodations provider to such person; or
3. Who is licensed as a real estate licensee pursuant to Article 1 054.1-2100 et seq.)
of Chapter 21 of Title 54.1, Code of Virginia, when acting within the scope of such
license.
"Accommodations provider"shall mean any person that furnishes accommodations
to the general public for compensation. The term "furnishes" includes the sale of
use or possession or the sale of the right to use or possess.
"Commissioner of the revenue" shall mean the commissioner of the revenue of the
city of Roanoke, Virginia, or any of their duly authorized deputies or agents.
Hotel: Any public or private hotel, inn, hostelry, tourist home or house, motel,
more persons at any one (1) time, an r
"Person" shall mean, but is not limited to, individuals, firms, partnerships,
associations, corporations, persons acting in representative capacity, and
combinations of individuals of whatever form and character.
"Retail sale" shall mean the sale or charges for any room or rooms, lodgings, or
accommodations furnished to transients for less than 90 continuous days by any
hotel, motel, inn, tourist camp, tourist cabin, camping grounds, club, or any other
place in which rooms, lodging, space, or accommodations are regularly furnished to
transients for a consideration.
"Room charge"shall mean the full retail price charged to the transient for the use
of the accommodations, before taxes. "Room charge"includes any fee charged to the
customer and retained as compensation for facilitating the sale, whether described
as an accommodations fee, facilitation fee, or any other name. Any additional
charges made in connection with the rental of accommodations are deemed to be a
part of the charge for the room and are subject to the tax. For example, additional
charges for movies, local telephone calls and similar services are subject to the tax.
then
"Transient" shall mean any person who, for any period of fewer than ninety (90)
consecutive days, either at his own expense or at the expense of another, obtains the
use or possession of a room or space occupied for lodging in any accommodations as
hereinabove defined,for which lodging or use of space a price is charged.
d eithe .,t h at the of. othe obt s Dart r the lice o
"Treasurer"shall mean the treasurer of the city of Roanoke, Virginia, or any of their
authorized deputies or agents.
Sec.32-240. Levied; rate.
There i., hereby e,l .,nd levied o ac and a transient a ta- a alent to
any l.
In addition to all other taxes of every kind now or hereafter imposed by law, there is
hereby imposed and levied,for the purpose of funding the general operation of the
city government, a tax equivalent to eight(8)percent of the total room charge paid by
the transient for the use or possession of a room or space occupied for lodging by or
for any such transient to any accommodations. In computation of this tax, any fraction
of one-half cent or more shall be treated as one cent.
Sec.32-241. Exceptions.
No tax shall be payable under this article in any of the following instances:
(1) On room rental paid by any federal, State of Virginia or City of Roanoke
official or employee when on official business.
(2) On room rental paid to any hospital, medical clinic, nursing home,
convalescent home or home for aged people.
(3) No tax shall be payable hereunder on space rental paid to any travel
campground.
Sec. 32-242. Collection.
•
- r �
The taxes require
•
(1) For any retail sale of accommodations not facilitated by an accommodations
intermediary, the accommodations provider shall collect the tax imposed pursuant to
this chapter, computed on the total price paid for the use or possession of the
accommodations, and shall remit the same to the city and shall be liable for the same.
(2) For any retail sale of accommodations facilitated by an accommodations
intermediary, the accommodations intermediary shall be deemed under this chapter
as a facility making a retail sale of an accommodation. The accommodations
intermediary shall collect the tax imposed pursuant to this chapter, computed on the
room charge and shall remit the same to the city and shall be liable for the same.
(3) For any transaction for the retail sale of accommodations involving two or more
parties that meet the definition of accommodations intermediary, nothing in this
section shall prohibit such parties from making an agreement regarding which party
shall be responsible for collecting and remitting the tax, so long as the party so
responsible is registered as a dealer with the locality.In such event, the party agreeing
to collect and remit the tax shall be the sole party liable for the tax, and the other
parties to such agreement shall not be liable for such tax.
(4) For any retail sale of accommodations facilitated by an accommodations
intermediary, nothing herein shall relieve the accommodations provider from liability
for retail sales and use taxes on any amounts charged directly to the customer by the
accommodations provider that are not collected by the accommodations intermediary.
(5) In any retail sale of any accommodations in which an accommodations
intermediary does not facilitate the sale of the accommodations, the accommodations
provider shall separately state the amount of the tax in the bill, invoice, or similar
documentation and shall add the tax to the total price paid for the use or possession
of the accommodations. In any retail sale of any accommodations in which an
accommodations intermediary facilitates the sale of the accommodation, the
accommodations intermediary shall separately state the amount of the tax on the bill,
invoice, or similar documentation and shall add the tax to the room charge; thereafter,
such tax shall be a debt from the customer to the accommodations intermediary,
recoverable at law in the same manner as other debts.
The taxes required to be collected hereunder shall be deemed to be held in trust for the
city by the person required to collect the same until remitted as required by this article.
Sec. 32-243.Report and remittances.
(a)(a)The person collecting any tax levied by this article shall make out a report,upon
such forms and setting forth such information as the commissioner of revenue may
prescribe and require, showing the amount of ream rental charges total room charge
paid by the customer for lodging by or for a transient and the tax required to be
collected. the use or '
required to be collected, and shall sign and deliver the same to the treasurer, with a
month. The report shall be submitted to the commissioner of the revenue.
(b) The commissioner of the revenue shall determine whether the report is in
proper form and upon such determination shall cause a copy to be delivered to the
treasurer.
(c)The person collecting the tax shall remit the tax to the treasurer.
(d) Such reports and remittances shall be made on or before the twentieth day
of the month following each month and covering the amount of the tax collected during
the preceding month.
(e)An accommodations intermediary shall submit to the commissioner of revenue the
property addresses and gross receipts for all accommodations facilitated by the
accommodations intermediary in the city. Such information shall be submitted
monthly.
(b) (f)An accommodations provider shall not be required to submit a report to the
commissioner of revenue if (i) all retail sales of accommodations owned by the
accommodations provider are facilitated by an accommodations intermediary and(ii)
the accommodations provider attests to the locality that all such sales are facilitated
by accommodations intermediary. Such attestation shall be effective for 12 months
beginning with the month in which the attestation is made. Thereafter, such attestation
shall be due annually on March 1, on such forms and in such manner as the
commissioner of revenue may prescribe and require. However, such accommodations
provider shall make out and submit a report in accordance with this subsection for
the retail sale of any accommodations not facilitated by an accommodations
intermediary and shall remit such tax as otherwise required by this article.
Any person operating a
•
in subsection (a) above. Such
twentieth day of April, July, October and January in each year, and shall cover the
•immediately prec
•
vrmc-rr-rvy
(eg) If the remittance provided for in this section is by check or money order,
the same shall be payable to the city and all remittances received hereunder by the
commissioner of revenue shall be promptly turned over to the treasurer.
Sec. 32-244.Interest; Failure to collect, report or remit
(a)If any person shall fail or refuse to remit to the treasurer the tax required to be
collected and paid under this article within the time and in the amount specified in this
article,there shall be added to such tax interest at the maximum yearly rates authorized
by general law of the commonwealth, as provided for in section 58.1-15, Code of
Virginia(1950),as amended,on the amount of the tax for each year or portion thereof
from the first day following the day upon which the tax is due.
(b)If any person shall fail or refuse to collect the tax levied by this article and to make,
within the time provided in this article, any report and remittance required by this
article, the commissioner of revenue shall proceed in such manner as he may deem
best to obtain facts and information on which to base his estimate of the tax due. As
soon as the commissioner of revenue shall procure such facts and information as he is
able to obtain upon which to base the assessment of any tax payable by any person
who has failed or refuse to collect the same and to make such report and remittance,
he shall proceed to determine and assess against such person the tax and penalties
provided for by this article and shall notify such person by mail sent to his last known
place of address, or through such other method of communication in the
commissioner's discretion, of the total amount of such tax and interest and penalties
owed and the total amount thereof shall be payable within ten(10) days from the date
of such notice.
Sec. 32-245.Records to be kept.
It shall be the duty of every person liable for the collection and payment to the city
of any tax imposed by this article to keep and preserve, for the current and the three
(3)prior a period of three (3) years, such suitable records as may be necessary to
determine the amount paid for accommodations and the tax thereon for which that
accommodations provider or accommodations intermediary may have been
responsible for collecting and paying to the city.
Accommodations providers who have the taxes owed on their accommodations
collected by a third party such as an accommodations intermediary are obligated to
keep records under this section on the amounts that were collected on their behalf by
such third party.All records kept under this section shall be sufficient to identify each
individual accommodation for which charges and fees were collected, and the tax
owed for transient stays at the accommodations. The commissioner of revenue-sueh
tax, which records the commissionershall have the right to inspect such
records at all reasonable times.
Sec. 32-248. Powers and duties of commissioner of revenue under article.
It shall be the duty of the commissioner of revenue or his designee to ascertain the
name of every person operating a hotel accommodations in the city, liable for the
collection of the tax levied by this article,who fails,refuses or neglects to collect the
tax or to make, within the time provided by this article, the reports or remittances
required herein.The commissioner of revenue and his designee may have a summons
issued for such person, and may serve a copy of such summons upon such person in
the manner provided by law. Police powers are hereby conferred upon the
commissioner of revenue and his designee while engaged in performing their duties
as such under the provisions of this section and they shall exercise all the powers and
authority of police officers in performing such duties.
2. This Ordinance shall be effective upon passage.
3. Pursuant to Section 12 of the Roanoke City Charter,the second reading by title of this
Ordinance is hereby dispensed with.
ATTEST:
c.za .,-4
-- g72.c-Ay'
City Clerk.
Office of the City Attorney
ROANOKE February 17, 2026
Title: Amendment of the City Code Article X, Transient Occupancy Tax, Chapter
32, Taxation, to Align with Recent Changes to the Code of Virginia.
Background:
The transient occupancy tax is levied on the rental charge per night on each and every
transient at a place of lodging (e.g. hotels, motels, inns, etc.) in the amount of eight percent of
the room charge. A transient is defined in the City of Roanoke's ordinance as a person who
obtains lodging for a period of not more than ninety days. Historically, this tax has been
remitted to the locality directly from the lodging provider, who collects it from the transient. The
tax is held in trust for the locality by the lodging provider until it is remitted to the locality.
Accommodations intermediaries are third parties other than a lodging provider that facilitate
the sale of lodging from a provider to a customer and charges a fee for facilitating the sale.
These accommodations intermediaries collect the lodging rental fees from the customer at the
time it facilitates the sale. With the proliferation of accommodations intermediaries over the
last decade (e.g. AirB&B) collection of the transient occupancy tax has become more difficult
as the lodging provider does not collect any fees from customers who obtain lodging facilitated
through such intermediaries. Additionally, localities' ordinances are often outdated and do not
contain adequate language that ensures accommodations intermediaries collect the taxes
from customers and remit the taxes to the locality.
The Virginia General Assembly has adopted several changes to the Virginia Code relating to
the transient occupancy tax that affects accommodations intermediaries and strengthens their
obligations to collect, account and remit such taxes to their locality and report customer
information to the locality.
Moreover, a number of localities throughout the Commonwealth are making an effort to make
their transient occupancy tax ordinances sufficiently uniform to lessen accommodations
intermediaries' arguments against that the variances in localities' statutes make compliance
difficult.
Considerations:
If adopted, the amendments will bring the City's transient occupancy into consistency with
recent updated to the Code of Virginia, and other localities' transient occupancy tax ordinance.
These changes will help ensure the proper levy, collection, and remittance of the tax by
accommodations intermediaries to the City of Roanoke.
Recommended Action:
For the above reasons, I recommend that City Council adopt the attached ordinance
amending and reordaining various sections of Article X, Transient Occupancy Tax, Chapter 32
of City Code. If adopted, the amendments will bring the City's transient occupancy into
consistency with recent updates to the Code of Virginia, and other localities' transient
occupancy tax ordinances. These changes will help ensure the proper levy, collection, and
remittance of the tax by accommodations intermediaries to the City of Roanoke.
Timothy Spencer, City Attorney
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA
The 17th day of February 2026.
No. 43356-021726.
AN ORDINANCE authorizing an increase to the annual salary of an elected official for the
City of Roanoke;authorizing the City Manager,or designee,to execute any documents necessary for
such increase; providing for an effective date of January 1, 2026, and dispensing with the second
reading of this ordinance by title.
BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Roanoke as follows:
1. City Council hereby authorizes an increase of$24,105.21 to the annual salary for the
Treasurer of the City of Roanoke bringing the annual salary to $185,077.42 implemented
retroactively with an effective date of January 1,2026,in accordance with the City Manager's report
dated February 17, 2026.
2. The City Manager is authorized to take such action as may be necessary to implement
such salary increase.
3. Pursuant to Section 12 of the Charter of the City of Roanoke,the second reading of
this ordinance by title is hereby dispensed with.
ATTEST:
ca,
City Clerk.
CITY TREASURER TASHA L. BURKETT
-411 PO Boxi45i Treasurer
Roanoke,Virginia 24no7
�-�.. ph:540.540.853.z5bi
fax:54o•8S3.1019
ROAN O K E Email:treasurerroanokeva.gov
February 6,2026
Dear Ms.Turner,
This letter is to formally request that my salary be adjusted to be equivalent to the salary of Ryan LaFountain,
Commissioner of the Revenue,with an effective date of January 1, 2026. The State Compensation Board
reimburses the City equally for both Ryan and me,so this request is being made to ensure consistent and
equitable treatment of Constitutional officers elected in the City of Roanoke.
I am happy to discuss this further if you would like.
Sincerely,
Tasha Burkett
Treasurer, City of Roanoke
c: Chris Parker, HR Director
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA.
The 17th day of February 2026.
No. 43357-021726.
A RESOLUTION recognizing and commending the dedicated service of Timothy
Spencer as City Attorney for the City of Roanoke, and expressing the City's gratitude
and appreciation for his years of service.
WHEREAS, Mr. Spencer will retire from his position with the City as City Attorney
effective March 1, 2026, after serving in this position since October 1, 2020;
WHEREAS, prior to his service as City Attorney, Mr. Spencer served in various
positions in the City Attorney's Office since 2004;
WHEREAS, Mr. Spencer earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from
Virginia Military Institute;
WHEREAS, Mr. Spencer earned his Juris Doctor Degree from the T. C. Williams
School of Law;
WHEREAS, before coming to the City, Mr. Spencer spent over seven years as
the City Attorney in Danville;
WHEREAS, Mr. Spencer has been affiliated with esteemed professional
organizations such as the Virginia Local Government Attorneys Association, including
serving on its Board for nine years and ultimately serving as its President, the Virginia
Council of School Board Attorneys, including serving as its President, the Virginia
Municipal League, the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority Board of Directors, including
serving as its Secretary, and the Virginia Opioid Abatement Foundation, including
serving as its President;
WHEREAS, Mr. Spencer has dedicated over 22 total years of service to the City
of Roanoke, significantly shaping the community's development and future;
WHEREAS, during his long and distinguished career with the City of Roanoke,
Mr. Spencer provided steady and trusted counsel to the Roanoke City School Board,
guiding it through complex governance and employment matters with a calm demeanor,
sound judgment, and an unwavering focus on what was best for the City's students and
staff;
WHEREAS, Mr. Spencer earned the confidence of the City's Fire-EMS and
Police Departments by partnering with their leadership on critical operational and
employment issues, providing timely and practical legal guidance that allowed first
responders to focus on protecting the community;
WHEREAS, Mr. Spencer has been an exceptional trial lawyer for the City, trying
more than 80 cases during his career and prevailing in every jury trial he presented on
the City's behalf, thereby safeguarding public resources and reinforcing public trust in
City government; and
WHEREAS, in all of these roles, Mr. Spencer combined legal skill with
professionalism, integrity, and a deep commitment to public service, leaving a legacy of
fairness, stability, and excellence that will benefit the City of Roanoke for years to come.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Roanoke as
follows:
1. This Council adopts this Resolution as its means of recognizing and
commending the exceptional and meritorious service of Timothy Spencer to the City of
Roanoke and its people and expresses its deepest gratitude on behalf of the City and its
residents.
2. The City Clerk is directed to provide an attested copy of this resolution to
Timothy Spencer in appreciation of his dedicated service.
ATTEST:
C_t,ac.4t J' Y)14'ecT
City Clerk.
iN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRG!NIA,
The 17th day of February,2026.
No. 43357-021726.
A RESOLUTION recognizing and commending the dedicated service of
Timothy Spencer as City Attorney for the City of Roanoke, and expressing the City's
gratitude and appreciation for his years of service.
WHEREAS, Mr. Spencer will retire from his position with the City as City
Attorney effective March 1.2026,after serving in this position since October 1,2020;
WHEREAS,prior to his service as City Attorney,Mr. Spencer served in various
positions in the City Attorney's Office since 2004;
WHEREAS, Mr. Spencer earned his Bachelor of Arts Degree in English from
Virginia Military Institute;
WHEREAS, Mr. Spencer earned his Juris Doctor Degree from the T. C.
Williams School of Law;
WHEREAS, before coming to the City, Mr. Spencer spent over seven years as
the City Attorney in Danville;
WHEREAS, Mr. Spencer has been affiliated with esteemed professional
organizations such as the Virginia Local Government Attorneys Association, including
serving on its Board for nine years and ultimately serving as its President, the Virginia
Council of School Board Attorneys, including serving as its President, the Virginia
Municipal League, the Virginia Opioid Abatement Authority Board of Directors,
including serving as its Secretary, and the Virginia Opioid Abatement Foundation,
including serving as its President;
WHEREAS, Mr. Spencer has dedicated over 22 total years of service to the City
of Roanoke,significantly shaping the community's development and future;
WHEREAS, during his long and distinguished career with the City of Roanoke,
Mr. Spencer provided steady and trusted counsel to the Roanoke City School Board,
guiding it through complex governance and employment matters with a calm
demeanor, sound judgment, and an unwavering focus on what was best for the City's
students and staff;
WHEREAS, Mr. Spencer earned the confidence of the City's Fire-EMS and
Police Departments by partnering with their leadership on critical operational and
employment issues, providing timely and practical legal guidance that allowed first
responders to focus on protecting the community;
WHEREAS, Mr. Spencer has been an exceptional trial lawyer for the City,
trying more than 80 cases during his career and prevailing in every jury trial he
presented on the City's behalf, thereby safeguarding public resources and reinforcing
public trust in City government;and
WHEREAS, in all of these roles, Mr. Spencer combined legal skill with
professionalism,integrity,and a deep commitment to public service,leaving a legacy of
fairness, stability, and excellence that will benefit the City of Roanoke for years to
come.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of Roanoke as
follows:
1. This Council adopts this Resolution as its means of recognizing and
commending the exceptional and meritorious service of Timothy Spencer to the City of
Roanoke and its people and expresses its deepest gratitude on behalf of the City and its
residents.
2. The City Clerk is directed to provide an attested copy of this resolution to
Timothy Spencer in appreciation of his dedicated service.
Joseph L. Cobb
Mayor
Attest:
Cecelia F. McCoy, CMC
City Clerk
IN THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA
The 17th day of February 2026.
No. 43358-021726.
AN ORDINANCE authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to execute a lease
agreement with The Orvis Company, Inc. ("Orvis"), for the lease of approximately 3,000 square
feet of retail space within the Center in the Square Parking Garage, located at 11 Campbell
Avenue, S.E., Roanoke, Virginia; and dispensing with the second reading of this ordinance by
title.
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on February 17, 2026, pursuant to Sections 15.2-
1800 and 15.2-1813, Code of Virginia(1950), as amended, at which hearing all parties in interest
and citizens were afforded an opportunity to be heard on the proposed lease.
THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of Roanoke as follows:
1. The City Manager, or designee, is hereby authorized to execute, in a form
approved by the City Attorney, a lease agreement with Orvis for the lease of approximately
3,000 square feet of retail space within the Center in the Square Parking Garage, located at
11 Campbell Avenue, S.E., Roanoke, Virginia, for an initial one-year term commencing on
February 1, 2026 and ending January 31, 2027, with the option for up to four additional one-year
renewal periods. Orvis will pay rent to the City in the monthly amount of$1,401.52 for its use
of the property, in addition to other certain terms and conditions, as more particularly described
in the City Manager's Report dated February 17, 2026.
2. The City Manager, or designee, is further authorized to take such actions and
execute such documents as may be necessary to implement, administer, and enforce such Lease,
with any such documents being approved as to form by the City Attorney.
3. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 12 of the City Charter, the second reading of
this ordinance by title is hereby dispensed with.
ATTEST:
ett—e r e-a- did- V
City Clerk. -
City Manager's Report
Submitted by: Marc Nelson, Director
Department of Economic Development
ROANOKE February 17, 2026
Title: Authorization to Execute a Lease Agreement Between the City of Roanoke
and The Orvis Company, Inc., for Retail Space in the Center in the Square
Parking Garage.
Background:
The City of Roanoke (city) owns the Center in the Square Parking Garage (garage) located at
11 Campbell Avenue SE in downtown Roanoke (Tax Map Number 4010805). The Orvis
Company, Inc. (Orvis). a Vermont corporation. leases approximately 3,000 square feet of retail
space within the garage for the purpose of operating a retail store selling clothing and related
merchandise.
Orvis seeks to enter into a new lease agreement with the city for continued operation at this
location. The proposed lease establishes an initial one-year term beginning at 12:01 a.m. on
February 1, 2026. and ending January 31 , 2027, with the option for up to four additional one-
year renewal periods upon mutual written agreement.
Under the updated lease terms. Orvis will pay the city annual rent consisting of a monthly
rental amount of $1.401 .52 payable in advance and due no later than the fifth of each month,
with annual rent increases in the amount of 3%, and 1 .25 percent of gross revenues from
sales made from the premises during the preceding calendar year, payable within 60 days
after year-end.
The lease outlines maintenance responsibilities, with the city maintaining the structural
components of the building and Orvis maintaining the interior of the premises. Utilities will be
separately metered, and Orvis will be responsible for all utility costs.
The lease also includes standard provisions relating to permitted use, insurance and
indemnification, inspection rights, destruction of premises, eminent domain. nondiscrimination,
assignment, and subordination. The city will reserve three parking spaces in the garage for
Orvis at the annual market rate: these permits are not incorporated into the lease itself.
Due to both the city and Orvis requiring additional time to review the lease document, the
parties are currently operating under a mutually agreed-upon one-month extension of the
previous lease agreement.
Recommended Action:
Approve the proposed ordinance authorizing the City Manager. or designee, to execute a
lease agreement with The Orvis Company, Inc. for approximately 3,000 square feet of retail
space within the Center in the Square Parking Garage, located at 11 Campbell Avenue SE,
Roanoke, Virginia. for a one-year term beginning February 1, 2026, at a monthly rental rate of
$1,401.52. All required lease documents shall be approved as to form by the City Attorney.
/IT
Valmarie Turner. City Manager
LEASE AGREEMENT
THIS LEASE AGREEMENT ("Lease"), made and entered in duplicate as of this
this 1st day of February 2026, by and between the CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA, a
municipal corporation organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia.
hereinafter referred to as "Lessor", and THE ORVIS COMPANY. INC.. a Vermont
Corporation, hereinafter referred to as "Lessee". Lessor and Lessee are collectively
referred to as the "Parties" and individually as a "Party' except where otherwise
indicated.
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, the Lessor owns certain property in Roanoke, Virginia. commonly
referred to as the Center in the Square Parking Garage, "hereinafter referred to as the
"Garage" located at 11 Campbell Ave SE. Roanoke, VA 24011 in the downtown area of
the City.
WHEREAS, the Lessee desires to lease approximately 3,000 square feet of retail
space located in the Garage for the purpose of selling clothing and other items and
products to the public; and
WHEREAS, after a public hearing was held on February 17, 2026, pursuant to
Section 15.2-1800 of the Code of Virginia (1950) as amended, Roanoke City Council
authorized the execution of this lease agreement pursuant to Ordinance No.
, adopted by Roanoke City Council on February 17, 2026.
NOW, THEREFORE, FOR AND IN CONSIDERATION of the recitals and mutual
covenants contained herein, the above recitals which are incorporated herein by
1
reference, and other good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto agree as
follows:
1. Leased Premises. Lessor hereby leases to Lessee, and Lessee leases
from Lessor, subject to and upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth, those
certain premises in the Garage consisting of approximately 3,000 square feet of retail
space and the separate storage space described as follows:
Hereinafter referred to as "Leased Premises" and identified as
such on the drawing labeled Center in the Square 1 which is
attached to and made a part of this Lease Agreement as
Exhibit "A".
The Lessor agrees to hold in reserve three (3) parking spaces during the term of this
Lease in the Garage, the cost of which is to be paid by the Lessee at the annual market
rate. Such parking permits, however, are not a part of this Lease.
2. Lessor's Warranties. Lessor represents and warrants that:
A. Lessor is the sole owner in fee simple of the Leased Premises and has full
right and power to grant the estate demised and to execute and perform this Lease;
B. The Leased Premises is now and will remain free and clear of all
encumbrances created by Lessor which could adversely affect Lessee's leasehold
estate;
C. As of the date of execution of this Lease Agreement, the intended use of
the Leased Premises for the purposes stated herein is permitted by all applicable
zoning laws and regulations; and,
D. As of the date of execution of the Lease Agreement, to the best of
Lessor's knowledge, the Leased Premises complies with all applicable ordinances,
2
regulations and zoning and other laws, and the use of the Leased Premises for the retail
sale of merchandise is a permitted use.
3. Term of Lease. Lessee shall have and hold the Leased Premises for an
initial term of one (1) year, commencing at 12:01 a.m.. February 1 , 2026, and ending
January 31, 2027. Upon expiration of the initial term, this Lease may be extended
for up to four (4) additional renewal terms of one (1) year each, on the same terms and
conditions, upon the mutual agreement of the Lessor and Lessee in writing. For any
renewal term to be exercised. Lessee must provide written notice to Lessor no later
than sixty days prior to the expiration of the initial term, or a renewal term. Lessor shall
then have a period of time not to exceed thirty (30) days to either reject or accept
Lessee's request for such renewal term. If a written response to Lessee's request for
such renewal is not made by Lessor within such time, Lessee's request for a renewal
term of the Lease shall be deemed to be rejected.
4. Rent. For the first year of the initial five -year term of this Lease. Lessee
shall pay to the Lessor, as rent, for the use of the Leased Premises the sum of Sixteen
Thousand Eight Hundred Eighteen and 24/Dollars ($16,818.24) $1 ,401.52, to be paid in
monthly installments of ($1 ,401 .52) per month, payable monthly in advance, and due no
later than the 5th of each month. The parties agree that rent shall further consist of one
and one-quarter percent (1 .25%) of the gross revenue from sales made from the
Leased Premises during the prior calendar year. which sum shall be payable within sixty
(60) days of the end of each calendar year. The monthly rental payment will be adjusted
each subsequent year (every twelve (12) months) during the term of the lease, in the
event the term of the Lease is extended pursuant to the provisions of Section 3, by an
3
increase of three percent (3%) of the amount of the monthly rental for the previous year.
Provided, however, although 1.25% of Lessee's gross revenue from sales shall
continue to be due and owing during any renewal term, such amount shall not be used
in calculating the 3% annual increase of rent.
Rent payments must be submitted to the Roanoke City Treasurer's Office,
located in Room 254, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, Roanoke,
VA 24011, or to P.O. Box 1451, Roanoke, VA 24011. Payments by check shall be
made payable to Roanoke City Treasurer.
There shall be excluded from gross revenue any sales tax or other similar tax,
uncollected funds, credit card fees and charges, credits or similar items due to
merchandise returns or exchanges, sales of trade fixtures, gift certificate sales (until
redeemed), layaway sales (until completed), charges for alterations, gift wrapping or
other service done on a non-profit basis, insurance recoveries, sales to employees, and
any catalog sales.
Lessor shall have the reasonable right to inspect Lessee's financial records to the
extent necessary to verify the amount of Lessee's yearly gross receipts from sales on
the Leased Premises.
5. Use of Premises. Lessee hereby agrees that the Leased Premises will be
used for the retail sale of clothing and other items and products and for operations in
conjunction with its catalogue sales operation, and that the Leased Premises shall not
be put to any other use without the prior written consent of Lessor.
6. Maintenance. Lessor, at its sole cost and expense, will service and
maintain, repair, or replace the structural foundation of the walls, (excluding the
4
awnings), utility and service lines, and roof of the Leased Premises, and shall repair or
replace any HVAC equipment which requires replacement. Lessor shall have no further
obligation with respect to maintenance of the Property.
Lessee, at its sole cost and expense, will service and maintain the Leased
Premises in good repair, condition and appearance during the term of this Lease,
ordinary wear and tear excepted, and Lessee will make all non-structural changes and
repairs and replacements of every kind or nature which may be required to be made for
any reason in connection with Lessee's use of the Leased Premises, and in order to
keep the Lease Premises in good repair and condition, including maintenance of the
Leased Premises that is cosmetic in nature (e.g. painting, janitorial, flooring, etc.)
This includes and is not limited to, Lessee's obligation to keep in good running
order electric wiring, toilets, water pipes, water, gas and electric fixtures; replace all
locks, trimmings, glass and plate glass broken during the tenancy, and unstop all water
fixtures that may become choked. If there be any elevators, escalators, lifts, machinery
or appliances (herein called "equipment") on the Leased Premises, Lessee shall care
for, maintain, and repair same, and shall indemnify and save harmless Lessor from any
liability or claims for damages for injuries to persons and property arising therefrom,
except to the extent due to Lessor's sole negligence. Lessee shall not make any
alterations of, additions to or changes in the Leased Premises or equipment without the
prior written consent of Lessor, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, with
the exception of replacement of the awnings, discussed below. Lessee further
covenants and agrees that all signage and the general appearance of the Leased
Premises shall be subject to the prior approval of the Lessor, which approval shall not
5
be unreasonably withheld. Lessee shall remove any signage or other materials which
negatively affect the general appearance of the Leased Premises, in the sole and
exclusive discretion of Lessor. All permanent alterations, changes, and improvements.
by whosoever made, shall be the property of Lessor. Nothing contained in this
paragraph shall be construed as requiring Lessor to make any repairs, except repairs of
a structural nature, and as specified earlier in this paragraph.
7. Replacement and Maintenance of Awnings. The parties agree that Lessee
may replace and thereafter maintain and replace the existing awnings that are attached
to the Leased Premises, at Lessee's sole expense. The parties agree that any such
awnings attached to the Leased Premises shall be considered a fixture to the property.
and property owned by the Lessor in accordance with Virginia law. Lessee shall have
the sole responsibility to maintain and keep the awnings in good repair and condition at
Lessee's expense. The Lessee agrees that it shall obtain Lessor's consent in writing as
to the design and wording of the awnings before such awnings are attached to the
Leased Premises, which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld. The Lessor
agrees that the Lessee shall receive a rent credit for the actual cost of the awning
upgrades, such rent credit not to exceed the amount of five thousand five hundred and
no/dollars ($5.500). to be applied in even installments to the rent that will be due Lessor
by Lessee each month over the next twelve (12) months of the term of this Lease from
the date of the installment of such awnings. Lessee shall provide Lessor upon demand
such documentation (e.g. receipts, invoices, etc.) that shows the costs of such awnings.
8. Inspection. Lessee shall permit Lessor or its authorized agents to enter
the Leased Premises for the purpose of inspection of any reasonable time or times and
6
upon reasonable notice during the term of this Lease provided, however, that such
inspections shall not unreasonably interfere with Lessee's use and occupancy of the
Leased Premises.
9. Utilities. Lessee shall promptly pay all fuel, water, gas, sewage, electricity,
lighting, and other bills as the same may become due, it being understood and agreed
that the Lessee shall promptly make all required deposits for meters and utility services.
The Lessor agrees to install separate meters for all utilities which are Lessee's
responsibility.
10. Insurance and Indemnification. (A) Lessee agrees to pay and to protect,
indemnify and save harmless Lessor from any and all liabilities, damages, costs,
expenses, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees, causes of action,
suits, claims, demands, or judgments of any nature whatsoever arising from injury to or
death of persons or damages to property resulting from Lessee, its agents, employees,
or assign's use of the Leased Premises caused by any act or omission of Lessee, its
agents, employees, or assigns.
B. Lessee shall, at its sole expense, obtain and maintain during the life
of this Lease Agreement, the insurance policies required by this Section. Any required
insurance policies shall be effective prior to the beginning date of this Lease Agreement.
The following policies and coverages are required:
(1) Commercial General Liability. Commercial General Liability insurance,
written on an occurrence basis, shall insure against all claims, loss, cost, damage,
expense or liability from loss of life or damage or injury to person or property arising out
7
of the Lessee's actions under this Lease Agreement. The minimum limits of liability for
this coverage shall be $1,000,000 combined single limit for any one occurrence.
(2) Contractual Liability. Broad form Contractual Liability insurance shall
include the indemnification obligation set forth herein.
(3) Lessee's Insurance. Lessee shall, at its sole cost and expense, obtain
and maintain during the life of this Lease Agreement a property insurance policy written
on an "all risk" basis insuring all of Lessee's personal property, including, but not limited
to, equipment, furniture, fixtures, furnishings, and leasehold improvements which are
Lessee's responsibility, for not less than full replacement cost of such property. All
proceeds of such insurance shall be used to repair or replace Lessee's property.
(4) Workers' Compensation. Workers' Compensation insurance covering
Lessee's statutory obligation under the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia and
Employer's Liability insurance shall be maintained for all its employees engaged in work
on the Leased Premises. Minimum limits of liability for Employer's Liability shall be
$100,000 bodily injury by accident each occurrence; $500,000 bodily injury by disease
(policy limit); and $100,000 bodily injury by disease (each employee). With respect to
Workers' Compensation coverage, the Lessee's insurance company shall waive rights
of subrogation against the City, its officers, employees, agents, volunteers and
representatives.
(5) Fire and Extended Coverage for Structures. Lessee shall obtain and
maintain fire and extended coverage insurance insuring the improvements on the
Leased Premises, Lessee's personal property, equipment, and trade fixture, for direct
and indirect loss or damage by fire and any other casualty covered under a broad perils,
8
"all risks" typical fire and extended coverage property insurance policy, in an amount
equal to the current fair value of the improvements. This coverage shall include the cost
of demolition and removal of the improvements, or any portions thereof, damaged by
fire or other casualty. The proceeds of the fire and extended coverage insurance shall
be payable to Lessor. Lessor shall have the sole right to use the proceeds to repair the
improvements and continue this Agreement or retain the proceeds of insurance and
terminate this Agreement.
The insurance coverages and amounts set forth in subsections (1), (2), (3) (4)
and (5) of this Section may be met by an umbrella liability policy following the form of
the underlying primary coverage in a minimum amount of $1,000,000. Should an
umbrella liability insurance coverage policy be used, such coverage shall be
accompanied by a certificate of endorsement stating that it applies to the specific policy
numbers indicated for the insurance providing the coverages required by subsections
(1), (2), (3) (4) and (5) and it is further agreed that such statement shall be made a part
of the certificate of insurance furnished by Lessee to Lessor.
C. All insurance shall meet the following requirements:
(1) Lessee shall furnish Lessor a certificate or certificates of insurance
showing the type, amount, effective dates and date of expiration of the policies.
Certificates of insurance shall include any insurance deductibles.
(2) The required certificate or certificates of insurance shall include
substantially the following statement: "The insurance covered by this certificate shall not
be canceled or materially altered, except after thirty (30) days written notice has been
received by City of Roanoke, Virginia." Shall follow notification procedures in policy.
9
(3) The required certificate or certificates of insurance shall name the City of
Roanoke, its officers, employees, agents, volunteers and representatives as additional
insured. Additional insured coverage must be primary and Lessor's insurance is non-
contributory. The Fire and extended coverage insurance shall insure the Lessor and the
Lessee in the Building, as their interests may appear.
(4) Where waiver of subrogation is required with respect to any policy of
insurance required under this Section, such waiver shall be specified on the certificate
of insurance.
(5) Insurance coverage shall be in a form and with an insurance company
approved by Lessee which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. Any insurance
company providing coverage under this Lease Agreement shall be authorized to do
business in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
11. Destruction of Premises. Lessee shall be responsible for insuring all
personal property, equipment, and trade fixtures, and Lessee shall hold Lessor
harmless for said items, if destroyed or damaged by fire or otherwise, unless caused by
Lessor's negligence.
Lessor shall be responsible for and shall maintain fire and extended coverage
insurance on the Garage and the structural portions of the Leased Premises paid for by
the City at replacement cost in reputable insurance companies.
If the Leased Premises are damaged or destroyed in whole or in part by fire or
other casualty and the same can be repaired or restored within one hundred twenty
(120) days from the date of the damage, Lessor shall repair the Leased Premises within
such period and, in that event, there shall be a proportional abatement of rent to the
10
extent Lessee is unable to conduct its business in a normal manner while Lessor repairs
the Leased Premises.
In the event the Leased Premises are damaged and destroyed and cannot be
repaired or restored within one hundred twenty (120) days from the date of the damage.
either Lessor or Lessee may terminate this Lease by giving written notice to the other
within thirty (30) days after the damage occurs, in which event this Lease shall
terminate, and rent shall abate in total from the date of such damage or destruction. If
neither party elects to terminate this Lease. Lessor shall proceed with due diligence to
repair and restore the Leased Premises and the rent shall abate in proportion to the
extent Lessee is unable to conduct its business in a normal manner from the date of
such damage or destruction.
12. Eminent Domain. Eminent domain proceedings resulting in the
condemnation of part of the Leased Premises that leave the rest usable by Lessee for
the purposes of the business for which the Leased Premises are leased will not
terminate this Lease, unless Lessee at its option terminates it by giving written notice of
termination to the other party. The effect of such condemnation, should such option not
be exercised, will be to terminate the Lease as to the portion of the Leased Premises
condemned and leave it in effect as to the remainder of the Leased Premises, and the
rent and utilities and charges fee provided for herein shall be adjusted accordingly.
Compensation awarded as a result of such condemnation shall be that of Lessor.
except to the extent that part of the award is allocated and specifically identified as
damages for the value of Lessee's leasehold estate, its trade fixtures or to relocation
11
costs. Lessor agrees not to use its power of eminent domain to take all or any portion
of the Leased Premises.
13. Assignment. Lessee shall not assign or transfer this Lease in whole or in
part, sublet or license the Leased Premises or any part thereof without the prior written
consent of Lessor, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, except that that
Lessee shall have the right without Lessor's consent to sublease or assign the Leased
Premises or any part thereof to a parent, subsidiary, or affiliate of Lessee to be used for
the purposes set out in Paragraph 5 above. If consent to assign or sublease is given,
no such assignment or sublease shall in any way release or relieve Lessee from any of
its covenants or undertakings contained in this Lease, and Lessee shall remain liable on
this Lease during the term thereof.
14. Force Majeure. The obligations of the parties hereunder shall be subject
to force majeure (which shall include lawful strikes, riots, floods, accidents, Acts of God,
and other causes or circumstances beyond the control of the party claiming such force
majeure as an excuse) for nonperformance of such obligations.
15. Default. It is understood and agreed by and between the Lessor and the
Lessee that if default be made in timely payment of rent set out in Paragraph 4, above,
or any part thereof, or in the event of breach by Lessor or Lessee of any of the
covenants and agreements herein contained, the aggrieved party may serve a written
sixty (60) day notice of default, specifying such default, on the breaching party. If such
default is not remedied within sixty (60) days, this Lease Agreement shall automatically
end and expire and the Leased Premises shall automatically revert to Lessor, provided
however, if the default involves the failure of Lessor to perform its maintenance
12
obligations under Paragraph 6 and the failure impairs Lessee's business operations,
Lessor shall have a reasonable period of time to cure, not to exceed seven (7) days.
16. Taxes and Assessments. Lessee agrees that it will be responsible for the
payment of any leasehold taxes or other legal taxes, charges or assessments imposed
by virtue of its occupancy of the Leased Premises.
17. Compliance with Laws. Lessee agrees to conform to and not to violate
laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, and requirements of federal, state, municipal, or
other governmental authorities and the various departments thereof now existing or
hereinafter created affecting Lessee's use and occupancy of the Leased Premises.
18. Lessee's Obligation to Quit Premises. Lessee shall, upon the expiration or
termination of this Lease, peaceably quit and deliver to Lessor possession of the
Leased Premises in the same condition as of the date of commencement, normal wear
and tear and damage caused by fire or natural disaster excepted, and shall promptly
clean up and remove all personal property and non-fixture items on the Leased
Premises. If Lessee fails to vacate the Premises at the end of the term, Lessee shall
become a tenant from month-to-month at the monthly rent payable for the last month of
the expiring term.
19. Fixtures. All fixtures, equipment, improvements, and appurtenances
permanently vacated to or built into the Leased Premises, whether or not by or at the
expense of Lessee, and any personal property of the Lessor or installed by Lessor in
the Leased Premises shall be and remain a part of the Leased Premises and shall be
deemed property of the Lessor and shall not be removed by Lessee.
13
All movable partitions, other business and trade fixtures, furnishings, furniture.
machinery and equipment, communications equipment. and other personal property
located in the Leased Premises and acquired by or for the account of Lessee without
expenses to Lessor may be removed by Lessee at any time during the term hereof.
provided that Lessee shall repair any damage to the Leased Premises resulting from
such removal to the reasonable satisfaction of Lessor.
20. Peaceful Enjoyment. Lessor covenants and agrees that if and so long as
Lessee shall pay the rent called for under this Lease as the same shall become due and
shall keep all the covenants and agreements required by it to be kept during the Lease
and shall perform all its other obligations hereunder. Lessee shall have the peaceful and
quiet occupation and enjoyment of the Leased Premises.
21. Notices. Notices given under the terms of this Lease shall be deemed
properly served if such notice is mailed by Certified United States Mail, Return Receipt
Requested: if to Lessor addressed to City Manager, City of Roanoke. Room 364.
Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S. W.. Roanoke, Virginia 24011 : and if to
Lessee addressed to The Orvis Company, Inc.. 178 Conservation Way. Sunderland.
Vermont 05250. Notice mailed in accordance with the provisions hereof shall be
deemed to have been given as of the date of receipt or the third business day following
the date of such mailing. whichever date is earlier.
22. Covenants and Conditions. Each provision of this Lease shall be deemed
to be both a covenant and a condition running with the land unless otherwise provided.
23. Conveyances. If Lessor sells, conveys or passes title to the Leased
Premises, the Lessee shall be bound by the terms and conditions herein to the new
14
owner of the Leased Premises and the new owner shall take title subject to this
leasehold interest.
24. Severability. If any clause or provision of this Lease is or becomes illegal
or unenforceable because of present or future laws or rules or regulations of any
governmental body or entity, effective during the term of this Lease, the intention of the
parties hereto is that the remaining parts of this Lease shall not be affected thereby
unless such clause or provision is, in the reasonable determination of both Lessee and
Lessor, essential and material to their respective rights, in which event either party shall
have the right to terminate this Lease upon thirty (30) days' written notice to the other
party.
25. Completeness of Agreement. This document, together with Exhibit "A"
constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes any prior
understanding or written or oral agreements between the parties respecting the within
subject matter, including the license agreement between the parties governing Lessee
use of the Leased Premises for the month of January 2016. No changes or
modifications of any of the covenants, terms or conditions hereof shall be valid unless in
writing and signed by authorized officers of the parties hereto.
26. Successors and Assigns. This Lease shall be binding upon the parties
and their successors and assigns.
27. Non discrimination. During the performance of this contract, the Lessee
agrees as follows:
Lessee will not discriminate against any subcontractor, employee or applicant for
employment because of race, religion, color, sex, or national origin, except where
15
religion, sex, or national origin is a bona fide occupational qualification reasonably
necessary to the normal operation of the contractor. Lessee agrees to post in
conspicuous places, available to employees and applicants for employment, notices
setting forth the provisions of this nondiscrimination clause. Lessee, in all solicitations
or advertisements for employees placed by or on behalf of the Lessee, will state such
Lessee is an equal employment opportunity employer.
Notices. advertisements and solicitations placed in accordance with federal law,
rule or regulation shall be deemed sufficient for the purpose of meeting the
requirements of this section.
Lessee will include the provisions of this Paragraph 27 in every subcontract or
purchase order for construction at the Leased Premises of over ten thousand dollars
($10,000.00), so that the provisions will be binding upon each subcontractor or vendor.
Any inadvertent failure by the Lessee to comply with the terms of this Paragraph shall
not be grounds for terminating this Lease.
28. Governing Law. This Lease shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia without regard to its choice
of law principles. Venue shall be a court of competent jurisdiction in the City of
Roanoke, Virginia. Lessee acknowledges that it and the City have both participated in
the drafting of this agreement, and agrees that if there is any ambiguity, such ambiguity
will not be construed against either of the parties.
29. No Broker. The parties covenant that this Lease was directly negotiated
between them and no broker was involved in bringing about this Agreement. No claim
of a broker's fee shall be made against either party.
16
30. Memorandum of Lease — Recording. The parties agree that in the event
either party hereto shall desire to file this Lease of record, the parties hereto shall
forthwith cause to be prepared, and shall thereafter execute. a memorandum of this
Lease in the form prescribed by statute, which memorandum. and not this Lease, shall
then be so filed for record.
31 . Subordination. This Lease and rights of the Lessee hereunder are and
shall be subject to the lien of any and all mortgages which may now or hereafter affect
the Leased Premises or the Garage. provided that such mortgagee agrees not to
disturb the tenancy of Lessee under this Lease so long as Lessee is not in default
hereunder.
32. Waiver of Subrogation. Each of the parties to this Lease hereby waives all
causes of action and rights of recovery against the other party, and their respective
heirs, administrators, successors, officers, employees, agents and assigns for any loss
or damage occurring to the Leased Premises, or the improvements, fixtures.
merchandise and personal property of every kind located in and about the Leased
Premises resulting from any perils covered by insurance, or would have been covered
by insurance had the parties obtained the insurance required by this lease, regardless
of cause or origin, including the negligence of either party. their respective heirs.
administrators, successors, officers, employees, agents and assigns to the extent of
any recovery under a policy or policies of insurance. To the extent necessary to effect
the foregoing waiver of subrogation, each of the parties agree to obtain from their
respective insurance carriers endorsements to such policies of insurance waiving the
right of subrogation of the insurance carrier.
17
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have affixed their signatures the day
and year first above written.
CITY OF ROANOKE, VIRGINIA
ATTEST:
By
Cecelia F. McCoy, City Clerk Valmarie H. Turner, City Manager
ATTEST: THE ORVIS COMPANY, INC.
By
(title)
Printed Name:
Title:
Approved as to Form: Approved as to Execution:
Deputy City Attorney Deputy City Attorney
18
EXHIBIT A
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M
,CARDINAL NEWS
SERVING SOUTHWEST•NO SOUTHSIOE VIRGINIA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
AFFIDAVIT OF PUBLICATION The City of Roanoke (•City") currently
leases approximately 3.000 square feet
of retail space within the Center in the
Cardinal News Square Parking Garage. located at 11
P.O. Box 4455, Roanoke,VA 24015 Campbell Avenue,S.E..Roanoke,Virgin-
ia.bearing Official Tax Map No.4010805.
(540) 467-2189 to The Orvis Company. Inc.,for the pur-
pose of operating a retail store selling
State of New Jersey, County of Camden, ss: clothing and related merchandise. The
term of this lease ended January 31,
2026. The City proposes to enter into a
I, Laquansay Nickson Watkins, of lawful age, being new agreement for continued operation
at this location. The proposed new lease
duly sworn upon oath depose and say that I am an establishes an initial one-year term Janu-
agentbegin-
of Column Software, PBC, duly appointed and ary 1,Fe20u7. It1,2026h and endingrp fr
ary 31,2027,with the option for up to four
authorized agent of the Publisher of Cardinal News, a additional one-year renewal periods.
publication that is a "legal newspaper" as that term is Pursuant to the requirements of Sections
defined in 8.01-324 of the Code of Virginia, and 15.2-1800(B) and 15.2-1813. Code of
Virginia (1950). as amended, notice is
authorized as such by Order of the Circuit Court, that hereby given that the Council of the City
the full text of the attached notice was published in of Roanoke will hold a public hearing on
the above matter on Tuesday, February
said publication and also at 17, 2026, commencing at 7:00 p.m.. or
www.publicnoticevirginia.com, which is a searchable as soon thereafter as the matter may be
heard.in the Council Chamber.4th Floor,
statewide repository of such notices, on the following Room 450.Noel C.Taylor Municipal Build-
dates. ing,215 Church Avenue,S.W.. Roanoke.
Virginia 24011. Copies of the proposed
Lease Agreement and the proposed ordi-
Publication Dates: nance will be available at the City Clerk's
• Feb 5, 2026 Office,Room 456, Noel C.Taylor Munic-
ipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S.W.,
Notice ID: PTTORm5KGi 5 cf8Yzh Roanoke, Virginia 24011. andr after
p pp Thursday, February 5,2026.. For further
information on the matter,you may con-
Notice Name: NPH-Orvis Lease Renewal tact the City Clerk's Office at(540)853-
2541.
Publication Fee: $120.00
All persons wishing to address City Coun-
cil must sign-up with the City Clerk's Of-
L Of-
fice by emailing cferk(9roanokeva.gov or
Cagcta h say ; kSor,i /�• n calling(540)853-2541 by 12:00 noon,on
wa tR v'�'L y Tuesday,February 17,2026.
Agent SHARONN E THOMAS-POPE If you are a person with a disability who
NOTARY PUBLIC needs accommodations for this hearing.
STATE OF NEW JERSEY please contact the City Clerk's Office at
VERIFICATION My Commission Expires January 23,2027
(540) 853-2541, before 12:00 noon on
Thursday,February 12,2026.
State of New Jersey
Count of Camden The City of Roanoke provides interpre-
t' tation at no cost for all public meetings.
upon request. If you would like to request
Signed or attested before me on this: 02/09/2026 an interpreter,please let us know at least
24 hours in advance by calling(540)853-
5 c 1283.
La Ciudad de Roanoke proporciona inter-
pretacion sin costo por todas cites publi-
Notary Public cas,previa solicitud. Si usted desea solic-
itar un interprete,haganoslo saber con al
Notarized remotely online using communication technology via Proof. menos 24 horas de antelacion por Ilamar
(540)853-1283.
Jiji la Roanoke linatoa huduma ya ukali-
mani bile malipo katika mikutano yote ya
NPH-Orvis Lease Renewal I Page 1 of 2
umma, inapoombwa. Iwapo ungependa
kuomba mkalimani,tafadhali tujulishe an-
galau saa 24 kabla kwa kupiga simu(540)
853-1283.
•
24 853-
1283(540)
Cecelia F.McCoy,City Clerk
NPH-Orvis Lease Renewal I Page 2 of 2
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The City of Roanoke ("City") currently leases approximately 3,000 square feet of retail space
within the Center in the Square Parking Garage, located at 11 Campbell Avenue, S.E., Roanoke,
Virginia, bearing Official Tax Map No. 4010805, to The Orvis Company, Inc., for the purpose of
operating a retail store selling clothing and related merchandise. The term of this lease ended
January 31, 2026. The City proposes to enter into a new agreement for continued operation at
this location. The proposed new lease establishes an initial one-year term beginning February 1,
2026 and ending January 31, 2027, with the option for up to four additional one-year renewal
periods.
Pursuant to the requirements of Sections 15.2-1800(B) and 15.2-1813, Code of Virginia (1950),
as amended, notice is hereby given that the Council of the City of Roanoke will hold a public
hearing on the above matter on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, commencing at 7:00 p.m., or as
soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, in the Council Chamber, 4th Floor, Room 450, Noel
C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Roanoke, Virginia 24011. Copies of
the proposed Lease Agreement and the proposed ordinance will be available at the City Clerk's
Office, Room 456, Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building, 215 Church Avenue, S.W., Roanoke,
Virginia 24011, on and after Thursday, February 5, 2026. For further information on the matter,
you may contact the City Clerk's Office at(540) 853-2541.
All persons wishing to address City Council must sign-up with the City Clerk's Office by
emailing clerk@roanokeva.gov or calling (540) 853-2541 by 12:00 noon, on Tuesday,
February 17, 2026.
If you are a person with a disability who needs accommodations for this hearing, please contact
the City Clerk's Office at(540) 853-2541,before 12:00 noon on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
The City of Roanoke provides interpretation at no cost for all public meetings, upon request. If
you would like to request an interpreter, please let us know at least 24 hours in advance by
calling(540) 853-1283.
La Ciudad de Roanoke proporciona interpretacion sin costo por todas citas publicas, previa
solicitud. Si usted desea solicitar un interprete, haganoslo saber con al menos 24 horas de
antelacion por llamar(540) 853-1283.
Jiji la Roanoke linatoa huduma ya ukalimani bila malipo katika mikutano yote ya umma,
inapoombwa. Iwapo ungependa kuomba mkalimani, tafadhali tujulishe angalau saa 24 kabla kwa
kupiga simu(540) 853-1283.
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Cecelia F. McCoy, City Clerk
Note to Publisher:
Please publish in full once in the Legal Section of Cardinal News, on Thursday, February 5,
2026.
Please send affidavit of publication to:
Cecelia F. McCoy, City Clerk
4th Floor,Noel C. Taylor Municipal Building
215 Church Avenue, S.W., Room 456
Roanoke, Virginia, 24011
Please send bill to:
Krista Bailey
Senior Staff Accountant—Finance
The Orvis Company
1711 Blue Hills Drive,NE
Roanoke, VA 24012
baileyk@orvis.com