Remarks prepared for delivery
The Honorable Gale Norton, Secretary of the Interior
Thayer Renovation Announcement, San Francisco, CA, April 6, 2001
It's exciting to be in San Francisco today to make an announcement that's long over due.
The C.A. Thayer is a vital, living cultural experience. But today, it's one of the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in all of America.
Over 100 years ago, the Thayer was essential to this region's progress. It sailed the Pacific Coast, delivering lumber and other supplies to pioneers settling the West. It helped build our homes, our businesses and our schools. It helped launch America's prosperity.
Now, the Thayer suffers massive deterioration. The wooden hulls are rotting. The iron fastenings are decaying. A bilge pump runs 24-hours a day just to keep this precious part of America's heritage afloat.
For too long, this historic landmark has been in danger. Today, I'm happy to report - on behalf of President George W. Bush - help is on the way. The President's budget, which will be unveiled Monday, includes nearly $9.3 million to fix the C.A. Thayer schooner.
For more than eight years, the Thayer has been a maintenance priority. And for eight years this majestic schooner has sat in this great bay, waiting for repair. Our cultural treasures will wait no longer.
President Bush has committed to eliminating the maintenance backlog in America's National Parks and Historic areas. We're investing $4.9 billion over the next five years to restore our heritage and repair America's greatest landmarks.
Nearly 220,000 visitors explore the Thayer every year. Twelve thousand school children annually use this vessel as an overnight interactive classroom. Soon the Thayer's sail will rise again.
Yesterday, the Bay Conservation and Development Council approved the National Park Service plan to rehabilitate the Haslet Hotel. This partnership will help inject $1 million annually to preserve these great vessels. This is a win-win situation for the Bay Area - and these historic schooners.
The President's budget funds America's priorities, provides the largest debt reduction in history and gives fair and responsible tax relief for every family.
Please join me in supporting this common sense plan to move America forward. To protect Medicare and Social Security for our parents and grandparents. To help support America's schools - and leave no child behind. And ensure that our country's special places and cultural achievements -- like the C.A. Thayer - will be here for future generations to learn from and enjoy. Thank you.
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