The Upper Newport Bay Ecosystem Restoration Project (UNB ERP) is a multi-year, $38 million project led by the US Army Corps of Engineers to bring the Upper Bay back to a more optimal ecosystem. The project is based upon the Upper Newport Bay Ecosystem Restoration Feasibility Report, a Corps-produced document that was circulated to the public and went through environmental review in 2000. The project involves extensive dredging of sediment, especially to maintain two major in-Bay sediment retention basins (near Jamboree Road and near the Salt Dike). These basins keep some sediment from reaching the remainder of the Upper Bay and from the Lower Bay. Much of the dredging will include expansion of existing channels that surround various islands in the Upper Bay, including Middle Island. The City of Newport Beach, while not a direct lead on the project, is a partner with the County of Orange, the State Coastal Conservancy, and others in ensuring that the project is completed.
Phase I of II is now underway. If the project does not get more funds from the Federal government soon, it will have to stop then re-start, adding about $1.5 million in costs, just to demobilize and remobilize!
Please consider e-mailing or writing (use a fax) the following people who can help:
NOTE: It is better to e-mail or fax comments to Washington, D.C. because of mail service screening delays!
All have been strong supporters of this project in the past. If you click on the links to the left (one for each member), you will see a letter you can cut and paste into an e-mail to send to Members of Congress.
For more information about the project, e-mail Chris Miller - cmiller@newportbeachca.gov (949-644-3043). For more information about contacting our legislators, e-mail Dave Kiff at dkiff@newportbeachca.gov or call 949-644-3002.