Washington, D.C. - Last night the U.S. House of Representatives passed a 185-page bill that included one line that will effectively restore funding for the Oak Harbor Municipal Pier.

The magic words, on page 175, were, “The conference agreement amends the House provision that makes certain projects and activities contained in the fiscal year 2002 Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act eligible to receive fiscal year 2002 funds.”

Translation?  

Oak Harbor is going to get the $200,000 it was promised last year.

As a Member of the Transportation Committee Rep. Rick Larsen pushed for funding for the Oak Harbor Municipal Pier.  Oak Harbor was appropriated $200,000 in last year’s transportation funding bill.  Because of legal technicalities, the Department of Transportation later deemed that the project did not qualify to receive the funds already approved by the President.
 
“I am pleased that these funds could be restored so that the city can move forward on this project.” Larsen said.

“The fight for funding has been long and hard-fought, but Oak Harbor will finally get federal help for its pier,” he added.

The Emergency Supplemental bill passed handily in the Senate today and is expected to quickly be approved by the President.