$16 Million Expected for Water Projects

Ventura County water projects are on track to receive more than $16 million in federal money after Congress approved a spending bill.

Congressional appropriations committees sent money to nine projects, including $5.5 million for the Casitas Dam safety projects, $3 million to continue maintenance and dredging at Channel Islands Harbor, $824,000 for the Calleguas Municipal Water District’s waste-water recycling project and $150,000 to complete a study on the possible removal of Matilija Dam near Ojai.

Other grants are $1.2 million to repair a breakwater at the federal entrance of Ventura Harbor; $2.7 million for the widening and deepening of the approach channel at the Port of Hueneme to allow for larger ships; $2.24 million for maintenance dredging and repairs at the south beach groin of Ventura Harbor; $400,000 for a sand bypass study at Ventura Harbor; and $250,000 to identify steps to restore the Mugu Lagoon environment.

The House voted 301 to 118 last Thursday to approve a compromise measure agreed to by House and Senate negotiators, and the Senate followed suit Monday in a 57-37 vote.