[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 91 (Tuesday, June 9, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E861]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CHANNEL ISLANDS HARBOR

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                          HON. JULIA BROWNLEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 9, 2015

  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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