[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 24 (Tuesday, February 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E231-E232]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            THE INTRODUCTION OF THE WASHINGTON CHANNEL BILL

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                       HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON

                      of the district of columbia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 15, 2011

  Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, this non-controversial bill, which the House 
passed by unanimous consent in the 111th Congress, will allow 
development at the Southwest Waterfront in the District of Columbia. 
This bill will benefit not only D.C. residents, but also regional 
residents, businesses and national and international visitors, by 
permitting the District to extend docks and increase recreation and 
maritime activity just an eyeshot from the U.S. Capitol. The District 
urgently needs this bill to finalize plans for the Southwest 
Waterfront, which it hopes to convert into an attractive location for 
residents and visitors alike.
  In order for the District to make these improvements, the Federal 
Government must redesignate part of the water designated by the Federal 
Government as the Washington Channel, so that more and larger docks can 
be built by the District to accommodate increased boating and waterside 
activity. The original width of the Washington Channel was established 
in the early 1800s, prior to the construction of East Potomac Park, to 
accommodate industrial and maritime commerce at the Southwest 
Waterfront. Today, however, the Southwest Waterfront is no longer a 
major port and does not accommodate large vessels. In fact, the U.S. 
Coast Guard, the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have 
agreed that this redesignation will not affect navigation interests or 
adversely affect navigation safety.
  I ask Members to support this non-controversial change to 
reinvigorate the Southwest Waterfront for the city, region and visitors 
to enjoy.

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