Ashland Lighthouse Weathers Final Legislative Storms

Statement

U.S. Congressman Sean Duffy (WI-07) praised passage of legislation that included approval for the iconic Ashland Breakwater Light to be transferred from the Coast Guard to the National Park Service:

"Today, Congress gave the final approval for the Ashland Breakwater Light's transfer. As the lighthouse prepares to celebrate it's 100th birthday, this legislation will ensure that it will continue to stand strong on Lake Superior's shores for another century.

"I have worked closely with National Park Service staff, as well as the local recreational community, to strike a balance that allows for the transfer of the lighthouse itself while preventing additional Washington rules and regulations from affecting any recreation on the waters surrounding the Ashland Light."

City of Ashland Mayor, Deb Lewis, also offered her praise for the bill's passage, "I am delighted that the Ashland Lighthouse will now be included in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore along with all the other lighthouses in the area. This will help provide additional economic, tourist, and educational benefits not only for the City of Ashland but for the entire Chequamegon Bay region. Ashland is a city that values its history and this inclusion will allow future visitors and residents to know the story of Ashland's role in the area. I want to thank Congressman Duffy and Senator Baldwin for successfully working together, along with all the other interested agencies, to accomplish final passage of this bill."

The legislation was included as part of the 2015 National Defense Authorization Act which passed the House of Representatives Thursday by a bipartisan vote of 300 to 119. It is expected to be considered in the Senate next week.

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