By SDCN Staff
Oceanside, CA–Rep. Mike Levin (CA-49) announced Monday that more than $8.2 million in federal funding has been secured for maintenance dredging at Oceanside Harbor, a project aimed at improving safety and ensuring continued access for commercial and military vessels.
The funding will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to dredge the harbor twice in 2026–once this spring, with work already underway to address hazardous emergency conditions, and again in the fall. Officials plan to transition to a consistent annual fall dredging schedule moving forward.
Levin said the investment is critical to maintaining the harbor’s role as a key regional asset.
“Regular dredge work is essential to keeping the harbor open and safe,” Levin said. “This funding ensures the Army Corps can respond to emergency conditions while continuing necessary maintenance operations.”
Designated as a critical harbor of refuge, Oceanside Harbor is the only harbor between San Diego and Dana Point Harbor. It supports commercial activity and provides access for military vessels operating out of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton.
The harbor frequently experiences sediment buildup, requiring routine dredging to maintain navigable depths. Recent rapid shoaling at the entrance channel created dangerous conditions, contributing to two boat capsizings and one vessel running aground.
Officials say increasing channel depth will reduce navigation hazards, lower the risk of injuries and vessel damage, and improve overall maritime safety. The dredging project is also expected to help mitigate storm impacts, replenish nearby beaches with sand, and enhance protection for critical harbor infrastructure.
Since taking office in 2019, Levin has secured more than $1 billion in federal funding for California’s 49th Congressional District. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, he represents portions of San Diego and Orange counties.
