U.S. Department of the Interior

Secretary Norton Announces Next 20 Lighthouses Available Under National Preservation Program

- Lighthouses in every region of the country up for new ownership-

WASHINGTON -- Interior Secretary Gale Norton today announced 20 lighthouses under consideration to be transferred at no cost from the Coast Guard to new owners -- federal agencies, state and local governments, nonprofit corporations and community development organizations. Located in every region of the country, the lighthouses are the second set to be transferred by Norton under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Program, which she launched with six lighthouses in June.

"This program has proven to be one of the most popular ones ever at the Interior Department, " Norton said, noting that a hotline had to be set up to handle the volume of calls. "Lighthouses seem to capture our imagination and many people are devoted to their preservation.

"One of the outstanding features of this program is that it puts nonprofits on an equal footing with government in becoming partners in preserving lighthouses," Norton noted. "Sometimes private groups can do more than the federal government. They bring their enthusiasm and willingness to work endless hours to restore something they love."

The National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000 authorizes the transfer of historic lighthouses and stations. More than 300 lighthouses are under consideration. The law places preservation of the historic light station first and directs federal agencies to work with the U.S. Coast Guard, the General Services Administration and the National Park Service to choose the best stewards for long-term preservation.

If no qualified steward is found, the act authorizes the competitive public sale of the property. Although there are currently no lighthouses being offered for public sale, more may become available in the future through the NHLPA process.

Ultimately, the Secretary of the Interior decides the best possible steward(s) for each lIghthouse. Following today's announcement, GSA will issue a formal Notice of Availability. Eligible parties have 60 days to submit letters of interest on a particular lighthouse to GSA for consideration. After the 60-day comment period, the National Park Service will send applications to qualified entities.

In June, Secretary Norton launched the program from Tybee Island, Ga., by recommending the transfer of six lighthouses, including the Tybee Island light, for their long-term care and visitor enjoyment.

"I encourage all those who want to get involved in saving lighthouses to join a historical preservation organization or coordinated community effort," Norton said. "Countless hours of volunteer work are at the heart of this program and will be instrumental to its success."

The list of 20 lighthouses follows. For details on each individual Lighthouse, see www.doi.gov/lighthouses or call 202-513-7244.

LIGHTHOUSES TO BE MADE AVAILABLE FALL 2002 UNDER

THE NATIONAL HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSE PRESERVATION PROGRAM

WEST COAST

Alaska:

Guard Island Light

Sentinel Island Light

California:

Pigeon Point Light

Point Sur Light

Hawaii:

Molokai (Kalaupapa) Light

Washington:

Grays Harbor (Westport) Light

West Point Light

NEW ENGLAND

Connecticut:

New London Harbor Light

Massachusetts:

Baker's Island Light

Rhode Island:

Conimicut Shoal Light

Michigan:

Gull Rock Light

Seul St. Marie (Pipe Island) Light

St. James River (Beaver Harbor) Light

MID ATLANTIC

Delaware:

Harbor of Refuge Breakwater Light

Maryland:

Craighill Channel Lower Range Lights

Thomas Point Shoal Light

Virginia:

Newport News Middle Ground Light

GULF COAST

Louisiana:

New Canal Light

Georgia:

St. Simons Island Light

North Carolina:

Currituck Beach Light-no new applications being accepted

-DOI-