In October of 2006 The Elizabeth River Project unveiled a five-point plan to revitalize one of the worst areas of the Elizabeth River, the Money Point waterfront in Chesapeake, VA. US Congressman Randy Forbes was keynote speaker for the crowd of 125. The plan has five goals for restoring Money Point and $15 million is already underway to implement the plan – leveraged by Elizabeth River Project members and donors to Campaign for the Elizabeth!

Congressman Forbes called the plan “a turning point for the Elizabeth” and “a great example of what you can do with partnerships.” More than 20 leaders from government, industries and citizen groups were recognized during the program as “Keepers of the Vision” for restoring Money Point. “We’ve got a long ways to go,” Forbes said, but the dreams of all of attendees probably includes that “one day our children and grandchildren will look at these waters and say, ‘Can you believe these were once some of the most polluted waters around?’”

Marjorie Mayfield Jackson, Executive Director of the Elizabeth River Project, said the plan represents the single most important step yet to restore the Elizabeth River, since Money Point harbors some of the worst pollution on the river and the plan outlines a comprehensive approach for removing pollution and enlisting longterm stewards on shore. The wide-ranging plan calls for sediment cleanup off-shore, cleanup and prevention of upland contamination, restoration of wetlands, oysters and clam beds, enlisting all waterfront industries as participating “River Stars” and much, much more. 

Explore more Money Point details from the links at right.