Virginia– After three years of research, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), in partnership with the city of Norfolk, has reached a milestone in the Coastal Storm Risk Management study. The project moves onto the next phase with the approval and signature of Lt. Gen. Todd T. Semonite, chief of engineers and commanding general of the USACE. Officials are recommending a $1.4 billion project. It will include four storm surge barriers, nearly eight miles of floodwall, one mile of levee, 11 tide gates and seven pump and power stations.Four areas across the city were seen as the most vulnerable: Ghent-Downtown-Harbor Park along the Elizabeth River, Ocean View near Pretty Lake, the area surrounding the Lafayette River as well as Broad Creek near the Elizabeth River. The report will undergo further review by the office of the assistant secretary of the Army for Civil Works and office of Management and Budget before its formal submittal to Congress. Congress won’t make a decision until at least 2020, but in the meantime engineers can begin the design phase. This phase typically lasts up to three years.