Congresswoman Julia Brownley has announced $11.6 million for the Ventura Harbor dredging project.
The FY2016 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers work plan includes $7.33 million for the current project, which is already underway.
The President’s FY2017 budget request includes $4.3 million for dredging Ventura Harbor next year.
“Since coming to Congress, I have been working diligently with the Ventura Harbor Board of Commissioners to ensure sufficient funding for annual dredging of the Ventura Harbor, but more sand has built up at the Ventura Harbor entrance because of this year’s unprecedented El Nino currents, ” said Brownley.
“These funds will enable the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to perform a complete dredging of the Ventura Harbor entrance channel area and will therefore have a very positive effect on the commercial and boating interests that are dependent on that entrance channel, ” added Ventura Port District General Manager, Oscar Peña.
Due to this year’s unprecedented El Nino currents, more sand has built up at the Ventura Harbor entrance than would otherwise have occurred in a normal year, resulting in the temporary closure of the harbor.
Throughout the year, Brownley has worked closely with the White House and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to ensure that funding for the annual dredge was included in the President’s original FY2016 budget.
The dredging contractor, Manson Company, arrived at the harbor on Saturday, after delays due to weather and sea conditions.
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