Oyster reef set for unveiling Thursday

FT. NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - The US Army Corps of Engineers will unveil a project aimed at restoring the oyster population of the Elizabeth River Thursday.

"We restore other areas in [the Elizabeth River] and in the bay, and we thought, 'why can't we do that it our own backyard?'" Army Corps of Engineers geographer Karin Dridge said.

A new reef of oysters will be on display behind Ft. Norfolk, and engineers say it should improve the health of the Elizabeth River.

"I think it's great," Army Corps of Engineers geographer Jeff Swallow said. "I think all public ground, the city, the Army Corps of Engineers should get together and put as many oyster cones [and] oyster beds in, just to help with the health of the river."