California Congresswoman Julia Brownley yesterday announced $14.8 million in federal funding for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects in Ventura County at Channel Islands Harbor, Ventura Harbor, and the Port of Hueneme, set to strengthen local infrastructure.
“Ventura Harbor, Channel Islands Harbor, and the Port of Hueneme are essential drivers of our local economy, and they play a critical role in fueling job growth here in Ventura County, ” said Congresswoman Brownley.
The U.S. Army Corps’ Fiscal Year 2019 Work Plan was released on November 21 and includes funds for dredging at Channel Islands Harbor and Ventura Harbor and “donor port” funds for the Port of Hueneme, pursuant to legislation spearheaded by Congresswoman Brownley in 2016.
Ventura Harbor
The FY 2019 work plan provides $8,370,000 for Ventura Harbor, an increase of $3,000,000 over the President’s budget request, to support the annual dredge.
“On behalf of the Ventura Port District Board of Port Commissioners and General Manager, Oscar Peña, we would like to thank and recognize Congresswoman Julia Brownley for her demonstrated support and continued commitment to Ventura Harbor. Congresswoman Brownley, through on-going collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced a significant increase in FY 2019 federal funds appropriations to conduct essential dredging to provide a safe and navigable Harbor, ” said Brian Pendleton, Deputy General Manager of Ventura Harbor.
Channel Islands Harbor
The FY 2019 work plan includes $6,290,000 for Channel Islands Harbor dredging.
“ We really appreciate Cong. Brownley’s efforts to ensure additional Work Plan funding for the dredging and breakwater repair projects at Channel Islands Harbor. This year’s funding will nearly clean out the sand trap at the Harbor and provide plenty of sand for Port Hueneme and Naval Base Ventura County ,” said Mark Sandoval, Director, Ventura County Harbor Department.
Port of Hueneme
The FY 2019 work plan also provides $140,000 for the Port of Hueneme.
These funds were awarded pursuant to donor port legislation that Brownley spearheaded the enactment of in 2016.
Donor ports, so named because they contribute far more to the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund than they receive back, receive an additional allocation of funds. Brownley’s legislation, enacted as part of the Water Resources Development Act of 2016 (P.L. 114-322), ensured the Port of Hueneme receives equitable treatment as a donor port.