In coordination with the Department of Conservation and Recreation, the Department of Environmental Quality, the Chesapeake Bay Local Assistance Department and the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC), the Center for Coastal Resources Management at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) was contracted to develop a tool for local governments that would assist in the decision-making process for marina development. In particular, the agencies wanted to develop a visual representation of the VMRC Criteria for the Siting of Marinas or Community Facilities for Boat Mooring. This was accomplished by gathering available data sets and developing geographic information system (GIS) data layers that can be used to determine the suitability of a shoreline for marina development. Using shoreline areas demarcated in increments of 600 m (0.4 mile) longshore, this GIS modeling effort results in a mapping scheme showing color-coded segments for habitat, design, and water quality criteria. A summary map was also developed. The summary map should be the most appropriate to use in decision-making as it contains all information from the other three maps. It is anticipated that local and state agencies will utilize this tool when developing land use plans, reviewing permits, siting public access points, and considering options for economic development
