Members of the Huntington community have canvassed in and around the neighborhood to gather support for permanent flood protection for lower Huntington from the Cameron Run, which spurred the evacuation of 200 residents last September after it peaked at 15 feet and flooded homes on Fenwick Drive and Arlington Terrace.

Petitioners have gathered "nearly 500 signatures" of support since beginning the drive March 24, organizer Alan Ruof said Monday by email.

"I don't know how many petition signatures we have so far since volunteers are still working to collect them," Ruof said. "They are posted at some local businesses on Huntington Avenue and at our community center." 

The group will continue to gather signatures through April 11 and will speak to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors at 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 12, at the Fairfax County Government Center.

In addition to collecting signatures, residents began a letter-writing campaign to the district supervisors.

"We also are distributing handouts so people can write or email each supervisor," Ruof said. "Although we encourage people to do this by April 5, in fact it will still be helpful even well after that date."

The most likely course of action from the county would be to construct a flood levee with funds from a storm water bond. In order for this to happen, a majority of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors would have to vote in favor of putting the storm water bond referendum on the November 2012 ballot. Approval by county voters would begin the process of allocating money and planning construction for the potential levee project.

If you'd like to sign the petition or learn more about the issue, the Huntington Community Association has launched a "Stop the Floods" webpage. County residents can print petitions from the site and mail them to the HCA's P.O. box. Ruof also encouraged those interested to email Stop the Floods directly for more information or to pick up a printed petition.

There will be an HCA meeting at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 5, at the Huntington Community Center.