In a meeting with the US Army Corps of Engineers on September 3, 2014, officials for Channel Islands Harbor, owned and operated by Ventura County, learned that dredging of the Harbor sand trap will begin October 1, 2014.
The Channel Islands Harbor sand trap was designed to retain sand for placement on Hueneme Beach every two years due to regular erosion there. The sand placed on Hueneme Beach gradually flows to the southeast, protecting Point Mugu, part of Naval Base Ventura County, as well as Ormond Beach and the remainder of the coastline down toward the Ventura County line.
As hosts and local sponsors for the Army Corps dredging project, Channel Islands Harbor is responsible for coordination among local jurisdictions, and has historically taken responsibility for seeking project funding from Congress. Elected officials representing the Ventura County area played a key role in pushing for funding this year, including Congresswoman Julia Brownley, who worked diligently in Washington, D.C. to ensure project funding. Supervisor Kathy Long, whose district includes both the City of Port Hueneme and the portion of the Navy Base most affected by loss of sand, also worked very hard on this project.
“ This has been an incredible effort, and a successful one ,” said Supervisor Kathy Long. “ I am extremely grateful to Congresswoman Brownley for her strong and unrelenting efforts on behalf of the County, Port Hueneme, the City of Port Hueneme, and the Navy Base.”
Congresswoman Brownley said: “ This is a great win for Channel Islands Harbor, Hueneme Beach and Ventura County. I was so pleased that we were able to secure scarce but critical funding for this dredging project. From working with local stakeholders, the White House and the Army Corps, it was truly a team effort. ”
According to Lyn Krieger, Harbor Director , “ After several cycles of less dredging than is required to keep our sand trap and entrance cleared, we are very grateful to have a project of this size. Supervisor Long and Congresswoman Brownley, along with Congresswoman Capps, have worked incredibly hard alongside staff to make sure this happened. ”
This will be the largest dredging project ever conducted at the Harbor, with over two million cubic yards of sand to be moved to Hueneme Beach. By contrast, two years ago only 700,000 cubic yards of sand were moved.
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Press Release, September 11, 2014