Press Releases

Central Coast Congressman Salud Carbajal (CA-24) and Congressman Raúl Grijalva (AZ-03), the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, traveled to Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Islands National Park (CINP) to highlight funding for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law improvement projects in the park and furthering environmental protections in the region.

“Channel Islands National Park is one of the gems in the crown of the Central Coast – a place that embodies the very essence of why we create and preserve national parks,” said Congressman Carbajal. “I am so grateful to the Channel Islands rangers and their partners with the Chumash tribe for their work preserving this wonder for all to enjoy, and I’m proud to see funding that my colleagues and I delivered through our landmark infrastructure law helping to sustain and improve this ecological treasure trove.”

 “I’m grateful for Rep. Carbajal’s hospitality and for the park rangers and staff who took the time to discuss their vital work. Channel Islands National Park is a critical part of the California coastline, playing an important role as a historic tribal homeland for the Chumash people and as an environmental and marine sanctuary,” said Rep. Grijalva. “Thanks to funding secured in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we will continue to safeguard the Channel Islands for generations to come.”

The infrastructure law passed two years ago with the votes of both Congressmen has delivered funds for multiple projects in Channel Islands National Park:

• $1.43 million to plug and remove a derelict oil well on Santa Cruz Island that has existed on the island since the 1960s.
• $1.07 million to fund upgrades at the wharf on Santa Barbara Island, funding provided through a Department of Transportation program that has previously supported the reconstruction of the pier on Santa Cruz Island.
• $90,000 to complete a trail rehabilitation project on Santa Cruz Island to repair sections of the Cavern Point Loop trail that were damaged by recent winter storms in early 2023. This project was undertaken in cooperation with the Chumash Fire Department and CINP staff.

"Channel Islands National Park is grateful for the investments made by Congress in the park," said CINP Superintendent Ethan McKinley. "The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law project is helping the park improve environmental and safety hazards, while the Department of Transportation's Ferry Boat Program is increasing visitor safety and accessibility to both Santa Cruz Island and Santa Barbara Island."  

Above: Reps. Salud Carbajal and Raúl Grijalva with Eva Pagaling, tribal marine consultant for Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, off the coast of Santa Cruz Island in the Channel Islands National Park