10 On Your Side Success: More derelict vessels to be removed from VB’s waterways
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — It’s a 10 On Your Side success story that’s going to keep on giving in the months to come.
It all started with our investigation into abandoned and derelict boats sunk in area waterways. One man’s mission to raise those vessels has now paid off in a big way, thanks in part to some state funding.
Mike Provost is getting ready to go in the water. 10 On Your Side is out with him on the North Landing River. He is posting signs on the vessels that he intends to remove them, and it’s part of his mission.
“We are informing the public that my company, Vessel Disposal and Reuse Foundation (VDRF), is going to be removing all these abandoned and derelict vessels,” Provost said.
For the last two years, 10 On Your Side has reported on the 30 boats VDRF has removed without any government help.
In part from our reporting, Virginia Beach Del. Barry Knight (R) Virginia Beach secured $3 million from a state fund to clean up these vessels.
Last Friday, Provost received $275,000 to clean up 18 additional vessels in Virginia Beach, 13 of them on the North Landing River.
Provost credits WAVY for the continuing coverage of his two-year crusade.
“WAVY has been there since day one, and the exposure and the advocacy that VDRF has received from WAVY has been instrumental,” Provost said. “That’s not only for the state funding, but for getting private sponsors, and for receiving the grant for 275k.”
Provost’s efforts are being recognized by Silent Run Films filmmaker Xavier Landers, who is producing a mini documentary.
Provost looks out over the graveyard of the North Landing River to see a row of trees in the distance.
“This is the North Landing River Natural Preserve,” Provost said. “It’s 3,000 acres of protected wetlands, and then right on the border you have this illegal boat dumping ground, which is ridiculous.”
Running 10 On Your Side to the sunken sites is Capt. Jay Leach of Atlantic Launch and first-mate Libby, his well-behaved English Lab.
“This is the notice of our intent to remove the vessel, so I I am going to post one of these on all the vessels at this site.”
Provost is now looking forward to April 18, when he’s having a fundraiser to supplement the $275,000 he’s already received from the state to raise even more vessels than the ones planned.
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