January 31, 2021
Lisa McGee, Policy and Planning Director
Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation
600 East Main Street, 24th Floor
Richmond, Virginia 23219
RE: Community Flood Preparedness Fund Draft Guidelines
The Virginia Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) respectfully submits these comments in response to The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) Public Notice to establish guidelines for implementation of the Community Flood Preparedness Fund (hereby referenced as “the Fund”), released December 7, 2020.
CIT reports to the Virginia Secretary of Commerce & Trade and its mission is to create technology-based economic development strategies to accelerate innovation, imagination, and the next generation of technology and technology companies. Advancing flood sensor technology is a part of this larger statewide economic development strategy.
CIT represents the Commonwealth of Virginia in a partnership with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate to advance innovative flood sensor technology that was developed through a national RFP process. These flood sensor deployments are being led by CIT throughout Virginia, in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM). As a Commonwealth entity representing Virginia in a larger national partnership with DHS, CIT has immense interest in the effects the Community Flood Preparedness Fund can have on current and future flood sensor technology advancements and implementation. We believe the best outcome for the Commonwealth involves synergies between these and similar programs throughout the Commonwealth.
Based on grant administration that CIT does on behalf of the Commonwealth, here are some lessons we have learned that helped smooth our grant administration process:
It is recommended that co-applicants (e.g. non-profit, academic partner, or private sector technology firm) can apply with more than one unit of local government. This should not limit local governments from submitting applications with multiple co-applicants, based on project needs, nor from including project areas that cross jurisdictional boundaries (i.e. regional projects).
In closing, thank for you the opportunity to provide public comment to establish guidelines for implementation of the Community Flood Preparedness Fund. The DCR is most fortunate to have such a beneficial program under its purview. Please know that as a sister state entity, CIT wants to see DCR and this Fund succeed. CIT is willing to do what it can to assist you with the process and/or the Fund now and in the future.
Sincerely,
Chuck Kirby, Vice President of Smart Communities
Center for Innovative Technology
2214 Rock Hill Road, Suite 600
Herndon, Virginia 20170