[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 123 (Thursday, July 17, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E690]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING 60 YEARS OF THE CHANNEL ISLANDS HARBOR

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                          HON. JULIA BROWNLEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 17, 2025

  Ms. BROWNLEY. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the Channel 
Islands Harbor, which is celebrating 60 years of rich history, vibrant 
community, and natural beauty.
  This beautiful gem in my district is Ventura County's first-ever 
recreational harbor, nestled between the cities of Port Hueneme and 
Ventura. Since its grand opening to the public on Memorial Day in 1965, 
the Channel Islands Harbor has helped transform our region into an 
economic engine for both the state and the nation.
  Our ports and harbors are vital for driving economic growth, spurring 
job creation, uplifting small businesses, fostering community 
engagement, generating tourism, protecting coastal ecosystems, and so 
much more.
  Throughout my time in Congress, I have worked closely with local 
leaders and community stakeholders to ensure the harbor remains fully 
operational and accessible. I am proud to have secured millions in 
federal funding to meet the harbor's dredging needs, combat coastal 
erosion, and keep the harbor accessible to the commercial fishing 
industry, supply chain businesses, and the general public.
  Thanks to our shared commitment to the dredging and maintenance of 
Channel Islands Harbor, nearly 1,500 harbor vessels. including the 
Channel Islands National Park ferries, commercial fishing vessels, and 
private boaters have safe and unrestricted access between the open 
ocean, Ventura Harbor, and the Ventura Keys.
  For over 60 years, the Channel Islands Harbor has given us 
breathtaking access to our scenic ocean and stunning natural 
landscapes, welcomed tourists to experience the quintessential 
California dream with us, and captured the splendor of California's 
26th Congressional District to its fullest--all while strengthening our 
local economy. Today, the Channel Islands Harbor continues to play an 
invaluable role in making Ventura County a wonderful place to live, 
work, and raise a family.
  I am proud to mark the 60th anniversary of the Channel Islands 
Harbor, and I join our community in honoring this iconic local 
landmark.

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