THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, February 4, 1996 TAG: 9602020164
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 07 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Another View
LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines
Recently, The Virginian-Pilot published an editorial praising the members of the Elizabeth River Project for its efforts to restore the environmental health of the Elizabeth River. I'm glad to see the Elizabeth River Project receiving the attention and praise it deserves.
As recounted in the editorial, the Elizabeth River Project grew out of meetings between a few local residents four years ago. Those initial members enlisted community leaders and many others - from environmental groups to shipyards to the local universities - to study the environmental risks facing the river and devise ways to address the problem. From its inception as a grass-roots organization of just four members, the Elizabeth River Project now includes a 120-member Watershed Action Team representing citizens groups, business, government and science.
It should serve as a prototype for other communities trying to find answers to complex problems and to build a consensus around solutions. It's not often that so many diverse interests, in this case, residents of four different cities, can unite behind a common goal. The people of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach realize what an important economic artery the Elizabeth River has become. Our area's future - sink or swim - depends on maintaining the viability of this and all our waterways.
I'm proud to be part of the Elizabeth River clean up effort. A good friend of mine, Roland Culpepper of Chesapeake, first brought it to my attention a few years ago. Culpepper is a civilian employee of the Army Corps of Engineers for the Norfolk District. I've found his diligence on behalf of the Hampton Roads community typical of the civil servants who live and work in our area.
As a result of those early discussions, I worked closely with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to have Congress authorize the funds necessary to perform an environmental study. Last fall, I was able to secure funding for the project through the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in the House of Representatives. Those funds will enable the Army Corps of Engineers to build on the good work the Elizabeth River Projects' team has already done. I intend to continue my work with the project as a member of the Leadership Review Board.
Improving our water quality today is especially important considering the expansion this area is projected to undergo in the future. Hampton Roads is already the fastest growing part of the state. The city of Suffolk is projected to be the next sector to expand. That's why when the Army Corps of Engineers came to me for help on another project, one to improve the Nansemond River Basin in Suffolk, I was glad to respond.
The Nansemond project will provide a comprehensive watershed planning and management plan for the Nansemond River Basin. From this study, the Army Corps hopes to find answers to the interrelated problems of water conservation, water control, water resources development, wetland protection and environmental restoration. It's another step toward improving our waterways throughout Hampton Roads and planning together for the future of our area.
Thanks to the Navy and the Virginia Port Authority, Hampton Roads is a major metropolitan area and one of the most active ports on the East Coast. Preserving and improving our waterways helps the value of our real estate and redevelopment efforts, and recognizes the long-term economic, recreational, health and safety needs of this growing area. I am glad to be of assistance in these worthwhile endeavors, and my door remains open to all those with ideas that will benefit the quality of life of our families.
Congressman Norman Sisisky
Jan. 26, 1996 by CNB