Progress for a cleaner river can be credited with the work done by agencies, organizations, and individuals across the East Coast, which responded to the project founders' belief that the dirtiest river on the Chesapeake Bay could improve if all players, from industry to environmentalists, from regulators to residents and scientists, worked together. This unlikely partnership began in 1996, after the Elizabeth River Project unveiled an 18-point Watershed Action Plan. Sixty organizations, including some of the region's largest corporations, are participating. By year 2000, efforts were focused on improving the toxic sediment quality, which is still the worst in the bay and responsible for cancerous fish in the river bottom. The corps report will include design and cost estimates.
Studies are also ongoing on how to restore up to fourteen wetlands.