January 28, 2005
Coast Guard complies with Senator Kohl, Reps. Green, Petri
requests to maintain its authority over Fox, Wolf River bridges
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Herb Kohl and U.S. Reps. Mark Green (R-Green Bay) and Tom Petri (R-Fond du Lac) hailed a decision by the U.S. Coast Guard Friday to abide by their requests and continue regulating bridges that span parts of the Fox and Wolf Rivers in northeastern Wisconsin. The three had repeatedly pressed the agency on the issue.
“This is great news for northeastern Wisconsin,” Kohl said. “I’m glad the Coast Guard understands the importance of the Fox and Wolf Rivers to the area, and ultimately made a decision that reflects that. This announcement ensures that economic development and recreational activity can continue along the rivers without interruption.”
“The Fox and Wolf Rivers play an absolutely vital role in the economic well-being of northeastern Wisconsin,” Green said. “Entrepreneurs throughout our area depend on the rivers to help keep their businesses afloat, while thousands of boaters covet them as a great source of fun and leisure. Today’s announcement by the Coast Guard is outstanding news for all these folks, and the thousands more who want to see the Fox and Wolf Rivers remain a central part of life and commerce in northeastern Wisconsin.”
Last October the Coast Guard sent a letter to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation indicating its plans to stop regulating highway and railroad bridges over parts of the Fox and Wolf Rivers. This announcement raised concerns that, if removed from the Coast Guard’s jurisdiction, the bridges could remain permanently closed to boat traffic, greatly impeding economic development along the rivers. After learning of their plans, Kohl, Petri and Green successfully pushed the Coast Guard to maintain control of the bridges.
“The original decision caused an outcry of opposition from
the local people that depend on the lift bridges for
recreational and commercial use,” Petri said. “I am glad
that our meetings and dialogue with the Coast Guard helped
to strengthen the Fox and Wolf Rivers’ vital role in the
region’s economy and lifestyle.”
