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JANUARY 25, 2005 05-15RESOLUTION
(CARRIED__7-0__ LOST _______ LAID OVER ________ WITHDRAWN ________)
PURPOSE:REQUEST U.S COAST GUARD TO MAINTAIN ITS NAVIGATION
JURISDICTION ON THE FOX / WOLF RIVER SYSTEM
INITIATED BY:CITY ADMINISTRATION
WHEREAS, the Department of Transportation has reported a shortfall of over
$450,000 for bridge operations during the 2005 boating season in the Fox / Wolf River
system including Lake Winnebago; and,
WHEREAS, the Department indicates that it has explored different options
without additional funding, which could result in significant reduction of bridge operation
hours, including the four bridges in the City of Oshkosh; and,
WHEREAS, the U.S. Coast Guard is also evaluating if they should withdraw
jurisdiction on the waterway system; and,
WHEREAS, there is uncertainty whether the State of Wisconsin has the legal
authority to coordinate and order bridge openings by those who own the bridges,
railroad swing bridges and the locks; and,
WHEREAS, a restricted waterway will effectively close the waterway to tourism
and economic development; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Oshkosh has invested millions of dollars in redeveloping
its waterfront with future plans for additional public and private investment; and,
WHEREAS, such developments strengthen local economy, enhance quality of
life and depend on free and unobstructed access to the waterway; and,
WHEREAS, it is imperative that the U.S. Coast Guard maintain its jurisdiction on
the Fox River waterway from Portage to Green Bay and on the Wolf River waterway
from New London to Lake Poygan to ensure these waterways remain unimpeded; and,
WHEREAS, it is vital to state and local economies that encourage the State of
Wisconsin likewise encourages the U. S. Coast Guard maintain its jurisdiction on the
waterway; and,
JANUARY 25, 2005 05-15 RESOLUTION
CONT’D
WHEREAS, that the State of Wisconsin continue financial support of the
waterway to ensure unimpeded access to our wonderful Fox / Wolf system and continue
striving for the Fox River Heritage Corridor system which would open the waterway to
the Wisconsin and Mississippi waterways;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Oshkosh requests that
the U.S. Coast Guard maintain its navigational jurisdiction on the Fox / Wolf River
system from Portage to Green Bay and that the U.S. Coast Guard maintain the same
navigation hours as it has since 1989.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that other communities on the Fox / Wolf system
are encouraged to adopt similar resolutions and forward them to the U.S. Coast Guard.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in the interest of preserving, enhancing and
encouraging the state and local economy, Representative Gregg Underheim and
Senator Carol Roessler are encouraged to introduce and/or sponsor legislation asking
the U. S. Coast Guard to maintain its jurisdiction on the waterway – ensuring that the
Fox / Wolf waterway will have access allowing economic development and tourism will
flourish on our waterway.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Clerk is authorized and directed to
forward copies of this resolution to appropriate federal, state and local officials.