Doing his part

June Casagrande

Against the backdrop of the Back Bay on Monday, nearly 50 local

leaders toasted U.S. Rep. Chris Cox for his work on two area

environmental projects.

Orange County supervisors Jim Silva and Tom Wilson hosted the

presentation Monday to honor Cox’s work in obtaining funding for the

Upper Newport Bay Restoration Project and the San Diego Creek Natural

Treatment System.

“Chris has been one of the most important factors in supporting

Newport Beach in environmental issues,” said Mayor Steve Bromberg.

Cox was instrumental in funneling more than $1.3 million of

federal funds into thee two environmental projects. For the Upper

Newport Bay Rehabilitation Project, congress awarded $972,000 at

Cox’s urging. This project -- the largest environmental restoration

project underway in California by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers --

benefits the 752-acre California State Ecological reserve through a

number of projects. Ecosystem restoration and silt removal are two

components of the project.

The San Diego Creek Watershed Natural Treatment System also owes

its federal funding in part to Cox. The $319,000 awarded for that

project for 2003 is on top of moneys Cox was able to obtain in 2002

for this network of man-made wetlands that naturally filter

contaminants from urban runoff before they get to the ocean. The

wetlands also provide habitat for local wildlife, including

endangered species.

“This is in fact a celebration of the return of a significant

portion of our tax dollars back home,” Cox said. “We have been more

successful in the past year obtaining federal funding for Newport

Beach than in all my years in Congress.”

The reception took place at the Upper Newport Bay Interpretive

Center in Newport Beach. Officials from Newport Beach, Costa Mesa,

Irvine, Lake Forest and Tustin took part in the festivities, as did

representatives from the Irvine Ranch Water District, Upper Newport

Bay Naturalists and Friends, Orange County CoastKeeper, the U.S.

Department of Fish and Game and the Irvine Co.

“We’re very appreciative of Congressman Cox for his support for

the natural treatment system,” said Marilyn Smith, public affairs

manager for the Irvine Ranch Water District.

* JUNE CASAGRANDE covers Newport Beach and John Wayne Airport.

She may be reached at (949) 574-4232 or by e-mail at

june.casagrande@latimes.com.