CHAPTER 516

An Act to authorize the governing bodies of certain counties, cities and
towns to construct dams, levees, sea walls and other structures and
devices for the purpose, among others, of preventing flooding or in-
undation by sea or tidal waters; to declare same a governmental func-
tion; and to prohibit certain proceedings in connection with the design,
maintenance, operation or existence of any such improvements and

facilities.
[H 465]
Approved March 31, 1960

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

. . (a) Any county, city or town may construct a dam, levee, sea
wall or other structure or device, hereinafter referred to as “works”, a
purpose of which is to prevent the flooding or inundation of such county,
city or town, or part thereof, by surrounding or nearby sea or tidal waters.
The design, construction, maintenance and operation of any of such works
is hereby declared to be a proper governmental function for a public
purpose.

(b) The General Assembly hereby withdraws the right of any person,
firm, corporation, association or political subdivision to bring, and prohibits
the bringing of, any action at law or suit in equity against any county, city
or town because of, or arising out of, the design, maintenance, operation
or existence of such works but nothing herein shall prevent any such action
or suit based upon a written contract.