After ten years of debate and persistence,  ground was broken on October 14, 2011 for the BISC. The Center will be managed by California State University
at Channel Islands (CSUCI) and will serve the youth of Ventura County as well as college students. The facility will include classrooms, a conference room,
locker rooms, indoor and outdoor boat storage and a dock. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will sponsor exhibits as well.
The ground breaking was attended by Ventura County Supervisors John Zaragoza, Steve Bennett, Kathy Long and Peter Foy, County Executive Officer
Michael Powers, State Assembly woman Julia Brownley. Lyn Kreiger, Channel Islands Harbor Director,  and her staff were acknowledged by all for their
efforts to get approvals and funds for the project. Cindi Smith, of the Smith Foundation, presented a $1,000,000 check as a donation to the building. 
Funding has come from the State of California Boating and Waterways and Park and Recreation Departments and major fund raising efforts of Bob
and Sandy Snyders with the Channel Islands
Harbor Foundation. The Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary and Ventura County have also contributed to the effort.  An additional one million
dollars are still needed.
In a highlight of the ceremony, a Chumash ceremonial elder blessed the building site. After the blessing major participants began the digging.
The building is expected to be completed in about one year.
Dan McInnes served on the Ventura County Harbor Commission, for District 1 for ten years and during that time repeatedly supported the efforts
for make the BISC a reality. Patty McInnes was instrumental in founding the Pacific Corinthian Youth Foundation (PCYF) which has provided sailing instruction
for local youth since 1992.  She spoke before the Ventura County Board of Supervisors in support of the BISC and the PCYF will eventually be a part
of the BISC programs.

Lyn Krieger, Channel Islands Harbor Director

Supervisor Steve Bennett