Ashland Lighthouse Becomes Part of Apostle Islands

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Sean Duffy's bill to transfer responsibility for the iconic Ashland lighthouse from the Coast Guard to the National Park Service passed the House of Representatives Monday. 

Rep. Duffy commented, "Next year will mark the 100th Anniversary of the Ashland Breakwater Light, a lighthouse that has stood strong on Lake Superior's shores, guiding ships through dark nights and storms and welcoming travelers back home.

"I have worked closely with National Park Service staff, as well as the local recreational community, to strike a balance that allows for the transfer of the lighthouse itself while preventing additional Washington rules and regulations from affecting any recreation on the waters surrounding the Ashland Light."

City of Ashland Mayor, Deb Lewis, also offered her praise for the bill's passage, ""I am delighted that the Ashland Lighthouse will now be included in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore along with all the other lighthouses in the area. This will help provide additional economic, tourist, and educational benefits not only for the City of Ashland but for the entire Chequamegon Bay region. Ashland is a city that values its history and this inclusion will allow future visitors and residents to know the story of Ashland's role in the area. I want to thank Congressman Duffy and Senator Baldwin for successfully working together, along with all the other interested agencies, to accomplish final passage of this bill."

To hear more from Rep. Duffy on the passage of this bill, click here.