Bill Provides Funds for Local Projects

A $21.2-billion appropriations bill passed by Congress on Tuesday included nearly $12 million for Ventura County water, harbor and coastal projects.

The Energy and Water Appropriations Act passed the House of Representatives 404 to 17 and the Senate 99 to 0, said Nora Bomar, an aide to Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-Simi Valley), who requested that many of the local projects be included in the bill.

Most of the money is for ongoing projects, such as $2.2 million for Ventura Harbor dredging. The money is allocated annually for dredging operations to ensure the boating channel does not become impassable, said Ed Wohlenberg, general manager of the Ventura Port District.

The only new project this year was $100,000 to begin studying the environmental consequences of sediment transport on Mugu Lagoon.

A recent report concluded the 240 million tons of sediment that sweeps into the lagoon each year threatens the habitat for endangered and other rare species that populate what is Southern California’s largest remaining salt marsh.

Also included in the bill was:

* $3 million for a sand-replenishment program to stem erosion on Port Hueneme’s municipal beach.

* $4 million for the Santa Paula Creek Flood Control Project, intended in part to reduce the risk of flooding for the city’s downtown.

* $2 million to add to the $3.7 million federal share of a water demonstration project in Port Hueneme and surrounding communities that will improve drinking water.

* $200,000 for the next phase of a coastal shoreline study in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.