Wilson Asks Allocation of $2 Million to Restore Bay
Gov. Pete Wilson asked state lawmakers Wednesday to allocate $2 million to help restore Upper Newport Bay.
“Upper Newport Bay, a valuable ecological and recreational resource, is in serious jeopardy due to sedimentation and erosion in the watershed,” Wilson said in a prepared statement. “This funding will serve to restore important aquatic habitat and wetlands, improve water quality and increase the ability of boaters to navigate the bay.”
If approved by the Legislature, the funds would be combined with $1 million in pledges by the city and other agencies to dredge the bay, remove sediment and enlarge the basin, said Ron Low, a spokesman for the governor.
“This is money he wants to see in the ‘97-’98 budget,” Low said.
The 752-acre bay is home to the largest functioning salt marsh ecosystem in Southern California and provides a habitat for rare and endangered species.
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