Jill Sunderland, Senior Water Resources Planner
Thanks to generous grant support from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (VADEQ), the HRPDC/HRTPO parking lot has been transformed into an environmental showcase – demonstrating how sustainable infrastructure can support regional goals and provide convenient parking for visitors to The Regional Building. This innovative project features a variety of green practices designed to:
- Mitigate downstream flooding
- Filter pollutants from stormwater runoff
- Reduce the urban heat island effect
- Lower carbon emissions
- Incorporate recycled materials
Among the key improvements are porous concrete panels, a bioretention facility, conservation landscaping with native plants, and four Level 2 electric vehicle charging stations. Together, these elements work to improve local water quality, retain runoff onsite, enhance energy efficiency, and provide habitat for pollinators.
The project was officially unveiled at the April 17, 2025 Commission meeting. Staff recognized and thanked key project partners, including representatives from VADEQ, AMT Engineering, and Ferguson Waterworks. Mayor Jimmy Gray of the City of Hampton had the honor of cutting the ribbon.
For more details, you can review the presentation slides which were shared during the HRPDC meeting. To watch a short time lapse video of the construction, please click here: HRPDC Beyond Just Parking. Interested in a tour or have questions? Please contact Jill Sunderland at jsunderland@hrpdcva.gov.
