Reaching for the stars

EPA's Community Action for Renewed Environment (CARE) program for the second time provided two grants totaling $1 million including a coveted targeted for watershed grant, to the Elizabeth River Star projects. The efforts are being made to revitalize the river bottom at Money Point, which is one of the most contaminated area of the Chesapeake Bay. The watershed grant promised $902,500 over five years, and the CARE grant offered an additional $283,625. CARE also helped the community to establish collaborative partnerships and set priorities for reducing environmental risks. Sixty three business have earned their River Star distinctions and have created and restored 818 acres of wildlife habitat and reduced pollution by more than 180 million pounds since the program was launched in 1997.