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.
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