Separate from the COVB Wetlands Project at Pleasure House Point is the wetlands restoration project by the Army Corps of Engineers which has been in progress for 10 years. The 3rd phase will restore 6.6 acres at the southern tip of Pleasure House Point on Crab Creek.
“Over time, marshes around the river have been particularly impacted by invasive species and human development, such as waterfront property owners installing bulkhead barriers”, said Gina Dotolo, a biologist with the Corps’ Norfolk District. “Their shorelines and wetlands have been filled in,” she said. “Now there’s more flooding going on because there’s no tidal wetlands there to absorb all the water, and a lot of wave action hitting the shoreline is causing a lot of erosion.”
Two phases of wetlands restoration are already completed. Invasive species were pulled up and about 28 acres of marsh were planted behind Princess Anne High School and in the Seatack area.
The entire Lynnhaven ecosystem project will cost nearly $40 million, Phase 3 will cost about $6 million. The federal government covers 65% of the project cost, with Virginia Beach responsible for the rest. Officials hope to start construction at Crab Creek in 2028.
Ocean Park Civic League 
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