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Washington, DC-- Today Congressman David Wu announced he has secured an additional $750,000 for restoration of the East Astoria Boat Basin. The funding is included in the conference report for H.R. 2419, the Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2006 and represents the final installment for repair and reconstruction efforts. H.R. 2419 is expected to come for a vote before the U.S. House of Representatives this week.
"I have been fighting to get money to rehabilitate the east boat basin breakwater since my first day in Congress and I am gratified to see that work on this project will soon be completed," stated Congressman Wu. "A safe harbor for fishermen and boat owners is vital for the survival of the region's commercial fishing industry, on which much of Clatsop County's economy depends."
The Port of Astoria's East Basin has protected commercial fishing vessels from the extreme currents and waves at the mouth of the Columbia River since 1950. However, in recent years, the breakwater, owned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has shown significant deterioration.
Congressman Wu has been working with the Port of Astoria and the Army Corps of Engineers since his first year in office to complete the project. He has been a persistent advocate and, to date, has secured a total of $11.25 million over seven years in federal dollars.
Congressman Wu recognizes the importance of the East Basin to the local economy. Small port-dependent businesses generate about $15 million annually and the need to provide a safe harbor is crucial to continued health of the industry and to Oregon.
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