Rep. Mike Levin Secures Over $8.2 Million for Oceanside Harbor Maintenance Dredging
Oceanside Harbor April 5, 2026
Oceanside, CA — Today, Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) announced over $8.2 million in federal funding for Oceanside Harbor maintenance dredging. This funding will enable the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to dredge the harbor twice in 2026: once this spring, work that is currently underway to address treacherous emergency conditions, and again in the fall, before transitioning to a regular annual fall dredging cycle.
“I’m proud to have secured over $8.2 million in new federal funding to ensure the Oceanside Harbor continues to be a lifeline for our commercial users, our military, and the surrounding community,” said Rep. Levin. “Regular dredge work is critical to keeping the harbor open, and this additional funding will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to address emergency conditions and continue maintenance dredging operations. This funding will ensure that all of those who use this harbor are able to do so safely.”
Oceanside Harbor is the only harbor between San Diego and Dana Point in Orange County. Designated a “critical harbor of refuge,” it serves commercial users and military vessels entering and exiting Camp Pendleton, a key military installation. The harbor is subject to recurring sediment buildup and requires annual dredging to ensure the free flow of commercial and military ship traffic.
The new funding will meet regular dredging needs while also addressing an unanticipated emergency at the harbor entrance channel, where rapid shoaling has caused two boats to capsize from breaking waves and one vessel to run aground in shallow conditions.
Increased channel depths will reduce navigation hazards and eliminate the risk that shallow conditions lead to deaths, injuries, and costly damage to vessels. Dredging will also mitigate storm damage, help get more sand on local beaches, and provide surge protection to critical harbor infrastructure. Maintaining adequate channel depths fulfills an essential navigation need for the region.
Since entering Congress in 2019, Rep. Levin has secured more than $1 billion in federal funding for the 49th District. As a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, the only member from San Diego and Orange Counties, Rep. Levin fights for federal funds that help millions of residents.
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