Honoring the 50th Anniversary of the Channel Islands Harbor
Floor Speech
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Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Channel Islands Harbor on the occasion of the harbor's 50th anniversary as a premier harbor along the Central Coast.
In the 1940's, the United States Congress directed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to address the issue of beach erosion affecting the Naval Bases on the Ventura County coast, as well as communities and wetlands south of Port Hueneme. A location was recommended by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for a sand trap and breakwater in Hollywood by the Sea, and authorized by Congress in 1954.
Construction of the sand trap and entrance to Channel Islands Harbor began in 1959 for the purpose of preventing coastal erosion and providing boating and other recreational opportunities to residents of Ventura County. The development of Channel Islands Harbor was an example of cooperation among the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Navy, the County of Ventura, and businesses investing in the harbor. That cooperation continues to this day.
Since the County of Ventura held the grand opening of the harbor in May of 1965, Channel Islands Harbor has been serving the citizens of Ventura County and visitors alike as the first recreational harbor in the region. Visitors can enjoy numerous outdoor venues including several beach-lined parks and coastline for picnics and surfing, as well as nearby biking and walking paths. The harbor offers a number of restaurants and a diverse collection of shops to stroll.
For fishing enthusiasts, there are sport fishing excursions throughout the year. And from December through April, daily tours can offer a glimpse at the majestic whales that traverse the waters off our coastline. The harbor is also a departure point for voyages of exploration to the remarkable Channel Islands.
Though initial development included only a small portion of the current harbor area, Channel Islands Harbor now includes over 300 acres of land and water, including 2,200 boat slips, two hotels, two yacht club buildings, two boat yards, three shopping areas, two freestanding restaurants, a Maritime Museum, and over 100 condominiums and 400 apartments, providing both a thriving community and a recreational destination along the Central Coast of California.
For these reasons, it is my sincere pleasure to offer my congratulations to the Channel Islands Harbor on its 50th anniversary and its countless contributions to the region.
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