Hampton Roads leaders seek climate funding to protect infrastructure

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Hampton Roads leaders and community advocates gathered in Norfolk on Friday to call for passage of funding to protect important infrastructure from the effects of climate change.

Union leaders, military veterans, Portsmouth Mayor Shannon Glover and Norfolk Councilwoman Andria McClellan gathered in Norfolk Friday morning to call on senators to pass legislation to protect national security infrastructure and American jobs.

“Flooding has been a problem in Norfolk and our region for decades,” McClellan said. “But it is growing at such a rapid rate. If we don’t start dealing with it now, we’re going to have a real problem in the future.

McClellan says the good news is that there is an opportunity to support $550 billion in the next budget to calm climate chaos and provide solutions and well-paying jobs.

“We need more state and federal legislation and funding to fight the floods because if we don’t start now, my children and future generations may not be able to live in Norfolk,” she added. “Maybe they don’t have a Norfolk Naval Station here.”