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Curry County urges federal action as Coast Guard staffing hinges on dredging and data
Summary
Commissioner Olinger reported a federal‑level conversation with Coast Guard representatives and congressional staff about restaffing the Rogue River/Gold Beach station, and said Army Corps dredging outside the federal channel and better incident data are needed before the Coast Guard can return.
Commissioner Olinger updated the board on outreach to the Coast Guard and federal offices seeking to restore seasonal staffing at the Rogue River/Gold Beach station.
Olinger said four Coast Guard representatives from the Pacific Northwest District joined a meeting with local officials and congressional staff. He told the board that any staffing directive would need to come from Coast Guard headquarters in Washington, D.C., and that shoaling and navigability problems at the river bar mean Army Corps of Engineers dredging outside the federal navigable channel will be necessary before Coast Guard craft can resume full operations.
Olinger urged boaters, commercial and recreational fishermen, the Port of Gold Beach and the public to report incidents, rescues and near misses to create the data the Coast Guard needs. He also recommended contacting the Coast Guard Auxiliary and continuing to send letters and emails to U.S. senators and the local congresswoman to press the case at the federal level.
He said the county will compile aerial photos and marine‑board statistics to support federal discussions about dredging and staffing.
