Feinstein urges bay dredging support

Project cost could be more than $39 million over three years. Convincing Republicans to help would be beneficial, the senator says. BACK BAY -- Sen. Dianne Feinstein urged an audience of public officials and environmentalists to ask members of Congress to fund Upper Newport Bay dredging at a ceremony Tuesday to commemorate the planned dredging project, which is expected to begin soon.

“Say ‘Please, this is vital,’” Feinstein said. “It’s vital for the people; it’s vital for the birds.”

Convincing Republicans to support the project would be particularly beneficial, the Democratic senator said.

The dredging project is expected to cost more than $39 million over three years and is not yet fully funded. Under a plan that Orange County supervisors approved in August, more than two-thirds of dredging money would come from Washington.

Congress has yet to iron out the differences between the House and Senate versions of an appropriations bill that would provide money for dredging work. The Senate version would allocate more money for the project -- $7 million compared with the $2 million written into the House bill.

A conference committee could meet within 10 days to work out the differences in the appropriations bills, Feinstein said.

The ceremony was held outside at the Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, which overlooks the Back Bay. Clear skies combined with the bay’s blue waters and many plants to create a mostly tranquil setting. The roar of jets taking off from John Wayne Airport served as a reminder of the Back Bay’s status as a natural habitat surrounded by a bustling urban landscape.

“I have actually not been here before, but I think it’s clear to see that Upper Newport Bay is an oasis,” Feinstein said.

The California Coastal Conservancy announced a $12-million grant for the dredging project in 2003. Sam Schuchat, the agency’s executive officer, told the audience he was happy to attend the event because it means a successful result has come from “years of meetings, conference calls and a stack of environmental reports as high as this podium.”