Congresswoman Julia Brownley has announced a massive influx of federal cash for Ventura County as part of the 2026 Fiscal Year funding package. The House of Representatives recently approved a bipartisan spending bill that includes over 19.7 million dollars earmarked specifically for California’s 26th Congressional District. This major investment is aimed at overhauling aging infrastructure, boosting public safety, and keeping the region’s vital maritime economy afloat.
Major Upgrades for Public Safety and Water Systems
A significant portion of the funding is dedicated to modernization efforts within the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department and the District Attorney’s Office. Nearly one million dollars will be used to automate DNA workflows at the Sheriff’s Forensic Services Bureau, a move expected to triple the speed of sample processing and help clear the existing evidence backlog. Additionally, over one million dollars has been set aside for the East County Family Justice Center to provide a one stop shop for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Water infrastructure also received a substantial boost in this package. More than three million dollars will be divided among projects in Oxnard, Santa Paula, and the Calleguas Municipal Water District. These funds are targeted at replacing dilapidated cast iron pipes and constructing new cross town pipelines to ensure a reliable and clean water supply for residents. Brownley emphasized that these below the surface improvements are critical to the long term health and economic stability of the county.
Keeping the Harbors Open for Business
The local maritime industry is one of the biggest winners in the new budget. Brownley secured over 14 million dollars for dredging projects at Channel Islands Harbor and Ventura Harbor. Regular dredging is essential to keep navigation channels deep enough for commercial fishing fleets, supply chain vessels, and the Channel Islands National Park ferries. Without this federal support, the buildup of sand could effectively shut down harbor operations, costing the local economy millions in lost revenue.
The Port of Hueneme will also receive 375,000 dollars in donor port funds to support its ongoing operations as a major hub for international trade. Brownley, who recently announced she will not seek reelection in 2026, views this funding as a key part of her legacy. While the bill has passed the House with overwhelming support, it must still be approved by the Senate and signed by the President before the funds are released to local agencies later this year.