COMMUNITY COMMENTARY:

Thanks to legislators for Back Bay funds!

I am very pleased that the Upper Newport Bay dredging project will receive another $2 million in assistance from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as part of a continuing resolution authorized by Congress. This amount, combined with another $2 million just authorized by the California Wildlife Conservation Board, will help get this important project that much closer to completion.

Much of the thanks should to go to Rep. Ed Royce, who has led the charge for the project. He has worked closely with the city and the county to stay up to date on the progress, and has been there from the start, supporting the federal obligation (65% of the cost is an obligation of the federal government).

Thanks to Royce and ongoing support from the Orange County delegation, work will continue. Their commitment to Upper Newport Bay is greatly appreciated.

I would be remiss in not also thanking Sen. Feinstein for her help securing the original authorization for the project, and being a strong supporter on the Senate side.

While dredging receives considerable attention, there are other aspects. The Upper Newport Bay Ecological Restoration project is designed to preserve the viability of the ecology of the bay. Work already completed includes a wetlands restoration at Shellmaker Island and at 23rd Street, the resurfacing of “Hot Dog� island, and deepening the side channels throughout the mid-bay. Remaining work includes deepening the channels to prevent predators from accessing the nesting islands by the old salt dike.

Not only will the habitat be enhanced and species protected, but the project will improve water quality. We look forward to completion. Next up, the lower bay!

LESLIE DAIGLE is a Newport Beach city councilwoman.