Army may look into dredging project

After receiving millions of federal dollars to dredge the Back Bay, Newport Beach is getting positive signs from the federal government that it is willing to fund the dredging of the Newport Harbor.

A Senate appropriations subcommittee recently approved $1.8 million in the president’s budget for the Army Corps of Engineers to do preliminary work — studies and environmental reports — in preparation for dredging the waterway.

Newport recently got $17 million in stimulus funding to finish dredging the Back Bay, which drains into the harbor. Officials are hoping to have that project done within 12 months and to start the harbor project next fall.

“Whether it’s property values or tourism-related industries, our economic base derives from the vitality of our waters,” said Councilwoman Leslie Daigle.

The $1.8 million still needs to be approved by the legislature before the money will head toward Newport Beach.

— Alan Blank