For the first time in several years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has completed dredging of the Main Channel entrance to the Ventura Harbor.
During a three-week project to dredge the entrance to the Harbor, approx. 800,000 cubic yards of sand material was removed from the site.
The dredging efforts were managed by the Corps using $6 million in federal funds. Manson Construction Company performed the work using its 26-inch hydraulic dredge, HR Morris.
The Ventura Port District continues its efforts to ensure adequate funding for dredging in the future. Funds for next year’s dredging operations in Ventura Harbor, in the amount of $4.83 million, have been already proposed in the President’s budget. However, additional funding would still need to be added to have adequate dredging accomplished.
According to Oscar Peña, general manager of the Ventura Port District, each year around 600,000 cubic yards of sand travels down the coast and settles at the Ventura Harbor entrance. Dredging is essential to remove sand buildup and keep the Harbor open and safe for vessels.
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