For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
January 31, 2003
Statement by the President
I am pleased to announce the return of Governors Island to the
people of New York. Last April, I informed the Governor and the Mayor
of my intention to make this transfer, and today, the transfer is
complete. Also, I am reaffirming our support for the Governors Island
National Monument, which now will encompass approximately 22 of the
Island's 172 acres, including historic Castle Williams and Fort Jay.
Governor Pataki and Mayor Bloomberg have shared with me their
vision of a Governors Island dedicated to public and civic purposes.
New York's stewardship of the island combined with the National Park
Service's management of the Monument will lead to the development of an
outstanding resource for the people of New York and all who visit.
I commend the parties that worked together to make this historic
transfer a reality, including the National Park Service, the General
Services Administration, the United States Coast Guard, the National
Trust for Historic Preservation and especially the State and City of
New York.
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