Annual dredging of the Ventura Harbor’s entrance channel drew a recent visit from Rep. Salud Carbajal, D-Santa Barbara, who touted securing more than $8.4 million in federal funds for the effort along with money for other Central Coast facilities.
Dredging started March 18, said Todd Mitchell, senior business operations manager for the Ventura Port District. With every harbor in the nation competing for the same basket of money, Mitchell said, Ventura Harbor’s two boatyards and commercial fishing operations help the local site secure funds to pay the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps contracts with Manson Construction Co. for the work.
Carbajal, who toured the Ventura operation on April 1, secured $26 million in March for area harbors and ports in a funding deal signed by President Joe Biden, his office said. The money will also assist facilities in Morro Bay, Santa Barbara and Avila Beach, where Port San Luis is located.
In Ventura, dredging keeps the harbor navigable and provides high-quality sand to replenish beaches, according to the harbor district.