Brownley Announces $10.5 Million for Ventura Harbor Dredging

Press Release

Today, Congresswoman Julia Brownley (D-Westlake Village) announced $10.5 million for the Ventura Harbor dredging project. The FY2014 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers work plan includes $7.1 million for the project and the President's FY2015 budget request includes an additional $3.4 million.

In prior fiscal years, funding for dredging at Ventura Harbor has been inadequate, threatening navigation of the channel, as well as the economic viability of the harbor. Brownley worked closely with the White House to ensure this funding was included in the President's original FY2014 budget and shepherded the FY2014 funds through Congress, which passed as part of the FY2014 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

"Since coming to Congress, I have been working diligently with the Ventura Harbor Board of Commissioners to ensure sufficient funding for dredging Ventura Harbor, and I am so pleased that our efforts have been successful," said Brownley. "The funds will ensure that the channel remains navigable and they will help protect Ventura Harbor's estimated $246 million total economic activity in our region."

"The Ventura Port District is thrilled to learn that the President's Budget for the current fiscal year will reflect $7.1 million for the FY2014 maintenance dredging for Ventura Harbor as well as $3.4 million for the FY2015 dredging effort. These funds will enable the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to perform a complete dredging of the Ventura Harbor entrance channel area and will therefore have a very positive effect on the commercial and boating interests that are dependent on that entrance channel. We are grateful for all the efforts made by Rep. Brownley in support of Ventura Harbor," said Ventura Port District General Manager, Oscar Peña.

"The City of Ventura is thrilled to learn that funds for the dredging effort in the Ventura Port District have been included in the President's budget. Not only is the Ventura Harbor enjoyed by recreational boaters, but it is also is an important economic driver as a source of jobs and helps contribute to the vitality of Ventura. It is also the gateway to the Channel Islands, a part of the National Park Service," said Ventura Mayor Cheryl Heitmann.

Ventura Harbor is the homeport for the U.S. National Park Service, providing access to the Channel Islands National Park System. The park's mainland visitor center receives 300,000 visitors annually with 30,000 visitors traveling to the islands and another 60,000 use park waters. Ventura Harbor also services the largest squid fishing fleet on the West Coast with revenues of $50 million. Its commercial and recreational fishing directly employ 600 crew members, truck drivers, and laborers with an additional 300 employees in nearby processing facilities. A recent economic study indicated that Ventura Harbor has a total economic impact of $246 million.

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