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WASHINGTON DC – First District Congressman Paul Ryan announced that the Kenosha Harbor Retaining Wall Feasibility Study cleared its first hurdle in this year's budget process. The U.S. House of Representatives yesterday passed a spending bill that includes $40,000 in federal funding that was requested by First District Congressman Paul Ryan for the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct a Kenosha Harbor Retaining Wall Feasibility Study. The legislation – the FY 2002 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Act – passed in the House by a vote of 405-15.

Ryan had requested the funding for the Kenosha Harbor Retaining Wall Feasibility Study in order to help ensure continued access to the harbor, which is one of the few deep water storm and emergency ports along Lake Michigan and is a domicile to a U.S. Coast Guard station.  The retaining wall study is a necessary first step toward reconstructing a harbor wall adjacent to the Simmons Island Marina.  The existing wooden wall was constructed in 1916 and is failing, endangering access to the harbor.

"I'm pleased the House was able to include funding for this crucial study," Ryan said. "Ensuring a bright future for our harbor is very important for those who live and work in Kenosha and throughout our whole area. This study marks the beginning of a vital project to help safeguard that future."

The Energy and Water spending measure now awaits legislative action in the Senate.

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