Washington, D.C.- Congressman Brian Baird (WA-03) today announced major funding for key Pacific County projects that was secured when the Omnibus Appropriations Bill (H.R 1105) passed the House of Representatives.  The bill will now be sent to the Senate for consideration. 

"This federal funding is essential to residents in Southwest Washington who depend on these critical resources day in and day out," said Congressman Brian Baird.  "By improving our local infrastructure we are investing in the future of the region.  These projects will not only play a major role in our recovery in these tough economic times, but will benefit the area for generations to come."

Congressman Baird announced the following funding for key Pacific County projects:

Baker Bay Dredging - $483,000

This funding will allow for maintenance dredging of the three-mile entrance channel through Baker Bay to the Port of Ilwaco Harbor.  Maintenance dredging is essential to the Port of Ilwaco, with regard to both navigation safety of the channel and economic development in the region. The Port serves vessels from the entire Pacific Rim including Washington, Oregon, California, Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada. In some years, the Port of Ilwaco has been the only viable tuna port on the coast. Commercial and recreational fishermen rely on the channel depth and location as shown on the navigational chart. Without adequate maintenance dredging, conditions in the channel could easily become dangerous for mariners.

New Busses for Pacific County Transit - $456,000

The funding will be used to purchase two 30-foot buses to replace vehicles that are 16 years old. 

Port of Chinook Dredging - $483,000

This funding will allow for maintenance dredging of the one-mile channel from the Columbia River mile marker 5 to the Port of Chinook boat basin.  This maintenance dredging must occur to allow for commercial and recreational boats to leave and return.

The dredging is critical to the economic sustainability of the area. 

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