Back Bay dredging may get more funds
$2.2 million has been set aside for the project in a new bill drafted by Congress.
By NIYAZ PIRANI
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
NEWPORT BEACH – The Back Bay dredging project will receive $2.2 million in funding if President Bush signs a bill recently drafted in Congress.
The project was slated to run for two-and-a-half years since its start in April 2006, but could continue for another year or two if the city gets the rest of the funding it needs for the project.
Currently, the city is short $14 million of the $38.5 million needed for the project. Because of this shortfall, the contractor has been doing less work, said Dave Kiff, Newport Beach Assistant City Manager.
The contractor could pull the plug if they don't see the funds coming, but the city and the county are pushing to get federal money appropriated.
The city hopes state representatives can put in another $10 million in the fiscal year starting October 2008 to finish the project.
"We are grateful for the support shown by our federal legislators," said Councilwoman Leslie Daigle in an e-mail. "The purpose of the dredging is to restore the highly valued natural estuarine area in the upper bay to support the wildlife and fisheries."
Daigle also said the city will keep pushing for the federal government to start dredging the lower bay.
"The purpose of the dredging of the lower bay is to improve the flushing of the lower bay yacht harbor, to improve water quality for recreational activities including water contact sports and create a more attractive environment for boating," she said.
Contact the writer: 714-445-6689 or npirani@ocregister.com
News Archive |
