The City and ERP applied for a $250,000 grant from the Virginia Outdoors Fund to cover initial costs with ERP pledging to raise additional funds. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted $100,000 to develop the plan.

EPA administrator Christie Todd Whitman personally delivered the check. During the presentation ceremony, Whitman said, "If you're looking for an example of the success of partnerships, Elizabeth River Project is the model."  

Communities along the creek are slated for workshops on sustainable landscaping, oyster gardening and re-use of rain water through rain barrels. ERP is in the process of recruiting more industrial partners for the project. 

"This project is our gift to future generations," says Jackson. "As John Milton wrote, 'A fairer Paradise is founded now', and this one starts right here with the cooperative efforts of industry and community."