Wittman Advocates for Jamestown Water Mitigation Funding

WASHINGTON, D.C.  – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) highlighted the inclusion of his $3,960,000 funding request for the Jamestown Water Mitigation Project through Community Project Funding (CPF) in the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Act. This measure has been approved by the House Appropriations Committee and awaits passage on the House Floor.
During the August district work period, Congressman Wittman is traveling across the district to meet with local leaders and discuss his efforts in Washington to secure federal investments for Virginia's First District.
“Jamestown is one of the most historically significant sites in the U.S., and it’s our job to preserve it for future generations,” said Rep. Wittman. “I am proud to advocate for funding that would preserve this historic site. I look forward to supporting this measure on the House Floor.”
“Jamestown is not only the birthplace of American democracy, but a living testament to the diverse peoples and stories that shaped our nation. Today, Jamestown Island faces unprecedented threats from rising sea levels, severe storms, and encroaching wetlands. Without immediate investment in climate resilience, we risk losing centuries of history—artifacts, landscapes, and the very foundations of our shared heritage. With Congressman Wittman's advocacy, Community Project Funding will play a critical part in safeguarding Jamestown for future generations, ensuring that we can continue to uncover, preserve, and share the stories that belong to all Americans” - Dr. Todd Arrington, Executive Director, Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation
"As the location of the first permanent English colony in North America, Jamestown is one of the most important historic sites in the nation," said Will Glasco, Preservation Virginia CEO. "Preservation Virginia has stewarded 23 acres at Jamestown since 1893, and we're doing everything we can to preserve it in the face of recurrent flooding. We've sought help from all levels: private donors, James City County, the Commonwealth of Virginia, and now the federal government. Together, we can save Jamestown." - Will Glasco, Chief Executive Officer, Preservation Virginia
Rising water levels pose a significant threat to Historic Jamestown, including the Memorial Church, the central pedestrian area, the Historic Godspeed Cottage, and the Historic Dale House. Without mitigation efforts in the next decade, assessments indicate that more than 60% of the archaeological site could become permanently inundated, jeopardizing its historic landscape, archaeological work, collections, exhibits, and educational programming. This project will help implement drainage and accessibility improvements at the Memorial Church, raised and paved pedestrian walkways, and flood-proofing measures at the Godspeed Cottage and Dale House. These investments will help protect the site of North America’s first permanent English settlement and preserve the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation’s archaeological excavations, museum, and public history programming for future generations.
Community Project Funding (CPF) allows Members of Congress to bring tax dollars back home for district-specific priorities. Members have firsthand knowledge of their district’s needs and can prioritize federal funding for the most critical local projects. For Congressman Wittman, these projects address clear and present needs in communities across Virginia and enjoy broad community support. The federal dollars designated for CPF projects exist within existing budget limits. Community Project Funding gives Congressman Wittman the ability to empower Virginians by ensuring they have a critical voice in directing their federal tax dollars back into VA-01 communities.