Control of Newport Harbor could shift from feds to city
Congressman plans legislation that would pay for dredging project in exchange for city covering all future costs.
By JEFF OVERLEY
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER
NEWPORT BEACH – The federal government would pay to dredge Newport Harbor in exchange for the city covering all future maintenance costs under legislation being drafted by a local congressman.
The harbor hasn't had a comprehensive dredging since its dedication in 1936, and the city has failed to acquire adequate funding through congressional earmarks or the Army Corps of Engineers, which controls the bay.
One boat gets stuck every month in the shallow harbor bed, though many cases probably go unreported, said Chris Miller, harbor resources supervisor.
"It is getting urgent," City Manager Homer Bludau said of the need to rid the harbor of excess sediment, which he said could increase as winter storms drench fire-scorched hills and produce urban runoff laden with silt.
Rep. John Campbell, R-Newport Beach, said he will introduce legislation to provide federal funding for at least part of the expected $12 million cost of dredging the 800-acre harbor.
While the city wants the full amount, a compromise might need to be reached, Campbell said. "I don't want to see either taxpayers of Newport Beach or federal taxpayers get a bad deal," he said.
Approval of such a deal isn't guaranteed, but Campbell said he's met with officials on all sides and "it looks like the parties are interested in doing it."
If things unfold as envisioned, Newport Beach would take over responsibility for the harbor's upkeep following the dredging project.
Local leaders hope that quid pro quo persuades federal officials to bankroll dredging for the recreational harbor, where maintenance often takes a backseat to work at vital economic hubs such as the Port of Los Angeles-Long Beach.
"We're practical people and we know this is a really tough nut to crack," said Councilwoman Leslie Daigle. "We just really appreciate the congressman's leadership to find a creative solution to this."
Campbell, who has also helped secure money for a separate dredging project taking place in Upper Newport Bay, said he's hoping to reach a deal by year's end.
News Archive |
