Ventura council accepts $1.5M more for Surfers Point Phase II

The Ventura City Council voted 6-0 on July 7 to accept an additional $1.5 million in State Coastal Conservancy grant funding for the Surfers Point Phase II project, according to the council's draft minutes for that meeting.

The seventh amendment to Grant Agreement 09-016 with the conservancy brings the total award for the project higher, though the minutes do not list the cumulative grant amount. The council also approved any related budget adjustments needed to recognize the additional revenue.

Surfers Point Phase II is the second stage of a project to restore the shoreline at the popular surf break near the Ventura River mouth. Phase I, completed in 2011, relocated the bike path and parking lot inland and built a cobble berm to slow erosion. Phase II is designed to continue that work by restoring natural beach processes and improving public access.

Councilmember Campos made the motion to approve the funding, seconded by Councilmember Mangone. The vote was 6-0, with Councilmember Schumacher absent. Deputy Mayor Halter voted no on a separate motion to extend the meeting past 10 p.m. but voted yes on the funding itself.

The project has been in the works for years. The city first secured a grant agreement with the Coastal Conservancy for Phase II in 2009. This seventh amendment represents the latest infusion of state money into the effort.

No members of the public spoke against the funding. One speaker, Phillip Fields, addressed the item during the formal portion of the meeting.