House Panel Backs Funds to Dredge Upper Newport Bay
Congress has responded to the request for money to begin dredging Upper Newport Bay, a project that city and county officials say is essential to preserve the environmentally sensitive area.
On Thursday, the House Appropriations Committee approved spending $1.27 million of federal funds for clearing sediment from the bay.
A vote on the energy and water funding bill by the full House is expected next week.
“It’s the first step,” said Peggy Ducey, Newport Beach’s assistant city manager. “We’re very hopeful they are going to come through with the money.”
City and county officials, who led the effort to dredge the bay, estimate that they need $5 million to get the project started. The state, which owns the wetlands, has earmarked $2.9 million for it.
Upper Newport Bay was last dredged 10 years ago. Since then, a buildup of silt and sand has created mud flats and sandbars that are making navigation difficult and are forcing water birds and fish out of their habitat.
The city also plans to ask for money from the state’s wetlands restoration fund for the dredging project, which officials say is critical to the survival of Upper Newport Bay.
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