Pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 22, the 1978 General Assembly created the Coastal Erosion Abatement Commission to study the effects of erosion on beaches, islands and inlets of the Commonwealth and to make such recommendations as deemed necessary to prevent the further destruction of those resources (see Appendix A). The resolution called for a legislative membership composed of three members from the Senate and four members from the House of Delegates. The bill also provided for the addition of not more than six citizen members. Staff assistance was provided by Susan T. Gill of the Division of Legislative Services.

The Commission relied upon several executive branch agencies for assistance during the course of its work and would like to express its appreciation to Dr. Robert Byrne and earl H. Hobbs, III from the Virginia Institute of Marine Science, Joseph B. Willson, Jr., of the Soil and Water Conservation Commission, and D. W. Budlong and Lynn C. Goodwin from the Office of the Secretary of Commerce and Resources.

The Commission would also like to express its appreciation to the many concerned citizens and local officials who offered informative assistance during the Commission's site visits to Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Northern Neck, Colonial Beach, and the Eastern Shore. A short abstract and summary of the findings resulting from those site visits follows immediately. A more detailed discussion of the site visits, conclusions and interim recommendations of the Commission is outlined in full later in the report.