Hampton is an independent city in the Commonwealth of Virginia, with a population of over 134,000. It is one of the seven major cities that compose the Hampton Roads metropolitan area. Hampton is the oldest continuous English-speaking settlement in the United States. Hampton has shaped the history of commerce and national defense, slavery and emancipation, the first free education in America, and human exploration and space flight. Situated in the middle of the Hampton Roads region and the heart of the Mid-Atlantic, Hampton is an event destination welcoming all visitors with charming hospitality, multifaceted attractions and activities, and an atmosphere of discovery.
Hampton experiences rainfall flooding, from heavy and intense storms, tidal flooding, and storm surge from storm systems that essentially push water from the ocean and the bay into rivers and ditches. Adding to the problem, many parts of the city are low-lying with a high groundwater table, giving the water few places to go. Currently, Hampton maintains a storm drainage system with 80 outfall ditches and 196 miles of open ditches.
As concerns about recurrent flooding and sea level rise grow, Hampton is looking for innovative solutions to protect citizens and infrastructure, while also growing as a vibrant coastal community. The city is looking to draw inspiration from the Dutch. The “living with water” approach–also the hallmark of the New Orleans Urban Water Plan–integrates flood risk mitigation, engineering, spatial planning, urban design, environmental goals, community amenities and economic development. Instead of figuring out how to “engineer” the water away, Hampton is committed to figuring out how the city can allow the water to be a part of, and a benefit to, the community.
