NORFOLK, Va. — The Norfolk District Army Corps of Engineers has authorized a new option for developers to help clean up the Elizabeth River.

District Commander Col. Jason Kelly signed paperwork, in the middle of the river, authorizing the Living River Restoration Trust to work with companies to mitigate the river bottom.

“What we’re doing is worthy of this sort of pause because it’s a first,” Kelly said.

According to officials, developers need to have state and federal permits when working in waterways.