ROCKLAND (AP) – The city of Rockland is awaiting final congressional approval of its request to be officially designated a “Coast Guard City.”

Sens. Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins announced Friday that the request was approved by Coast Adm. Thad Allen.

The senators said the decision is a tribute to the longstanding and special relationship that Rockland and its residents have with the Coast Guard. Snowe and Collins called it “a fitting tribute to those who have welcomed the men and women of the Coast Guard into their community for many years.”

The designation is aimed at recognizing cities that have regularly reached out to Coast Guard members assigned to their area and made them feel at home.

The only other communities designated as Coast Guard Cities are Eureka, Calif.; Mobile, Ala.; Morgan City, La.; Wilmington, N.C.; Newport, Ore.; Alameda, Calif., and Kodiak, Alaska.

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