Carbajal Secures Over $4 Million in Federal Funding for SLO County Harbor Improvements

Today, U.S. Representative Salud Carbajal (D-CA-24) announced he secured significant funding for two harbor improvement projects in San Luis Obispo County. Morro Bay Harbor will receive $4,144,000 for its dredging project and Port San Luis will receive $23,000 for maintenance of the breakwater. The funding for both projects was secured through the Fiscal Year 2026 congressional funding and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Work Plan, an annual civil works initiative focused on infrastructure improvements.

"Both Morro Bay Harbor and Port San Luis serve important roles in San Luis Obispo County's economy and emergency response services," said Rep. Carbajal. "This federal funding will ensure both harbors have the resources they need to maintain key infrastructure so commercial, recreational, and emergency response vessels can continue to navigate safely."

"On behalf of the City of Morro Bay, I want to thank Representative Salud Carbajal for his continued advocacy for our harbor and our community. This funding is vital to maintaining safe navigation in Morro Bay Harbor and protecting the commercial, recreational, and emergency response activities that are so important to our local economy and quality of life," said Morro Bay Mayor Carla Wixom.

"Port San Luis is grateful to Congressman Carbajal for securing Army Corps funds to maintain Port San Luis Harbor, which serves as a key hub for recreational and commercial fishing activity on the Central Coast," said Will Friedman, Harbor Director.

Morro Bay Harbor and Port San Luis both serve as critical regional hubs for maritime commerce, tourism, and public safety operations. The Morro Bay dredging project will help keep the harbor at appropriate depths so that commercial vessels, recreational users, and emergency response ships can operate safely. The Port San Luis breakwater has been in use for over 100 years and requires regular maintenance to ensure it can continue protecting the port from heavy waves.