Cox seeks money for Back Bay

Paul Clinton

Rep. Chris Cox is readying a second round of funding requests for

local environmental projects, a month after securing $21.6 million in

President Bush’s 2003-04 budget.

Cox must, by the end of the month, submit his requests for funding

for the project closest to Newport Beach hearts, a $35-million dredge

of Upper Newport Bay and Newport Harbor that could begin in earnest

as early as September.

Bush included the $21.6 million in the current year’s budget for a

restoration survey of Upper Newport Bay, flood control protections

along Santa Ana River and an historic groundwater drinking water

project, among others.

Funding for the dredging, which has been a tough sell in previous

years because it was a new project, should be easier to attain after

Cox pinned down money last year.

“The requests I am working beyond [the $21.6 million] total almost

$50 million,” Cox said. “We’re in far better shape because we are an

existing project.”

Local leaders lauded Cox’s efforts, which have brought money to

the area on a fairly consistent basis for environmental projects.

City and state officials have secured $13 million in matching

funds for the dredging project in a deal that would have the federal

government pick up the remaining $21-million tab, Newport Beach

Assistant City Manager Dave Kiff said.

“It’s terrific that Congressman Cox is taking the lead to plug the

money in on the congressional side,” Kiff said. “This is a vital

project to make sure the Upper Newport Bay stays a great habitat for

the endangered species who live there.”

The $21.6 million already in Bush’s budget includes $186,000 for

an environmental restoration survey of the San Diego Creek watershed,

Back Bay and Newport Harbor.

The second round of funding would be included in an appropriations

bill from the Veterans Administration and Housing and Urban

Development and Energy and Water committees.

That second round of funding is expected to include $1.8 million

for the Upper Newport Bay restoration and $4 million for restoration

of the harbor.