Federal Government

My husband just told me he saw on CNN that the Federal Goverment was giving away 301 lighthouses to deserving households??? Anyone heard anything about this?

Sheryl

I found it at www.cnn.com - Lighthouses: Free to a good home. Interesting article, wish I could afford to take care of one.

Sheryl



[This message has been edited by Beaconfollower (edited 06-08-2002).]

My Mother just called to tell me that she had seen this news on CNN's banner. I also wish that I could have my very own lighthouse. Maybe if I finally win the Texas lottery tonight.... Terry

Here's the full story from CNN:


[This message has been edited by JChidester (edited 06-08-2002).]

Interesting news! Is this good news for all lighthouses? I hope so! Hopefully all will fall into good hands!

One thing that I found odd: It's Culleen Chambers a guy? All the pictures I have ever seen with him in them, he looked like a guy to me! (LOL)

Yes I agree, I think it's a great idea. We all know how the interest in lighthouses has really taken off. This is a chance for more continued support for the ones that just need up keep and maybe new awareness and help for the ones that really need it.

Sheryl

Personally, I hope that each lighthouse on the list will find a dedicated, caring, knowledgeable group with plenty of money to bring it up to (and keep it at) a beautiful condition. I also hope that these lights are accessible to the general public, in order to teach "all" about the important role they played in our nation's history.

Ron
(CT Keeper)

Cullen Chambers is a very nice gentleman and I am so glad he loves lighthouses! Someone said that he was referred to as "she said" in one of the reports.
Derith

Well how many other people do we know named Cullen? Probably whoever wrote the article hadn't a clue and guessed? Or it may have been a proof reading error.

I'm sure that many of the lighthouses have already been leased or under the care of various preservation groups, agencies and for the most part it's a transfer of ownership and should make for a smooth transition. The "hard sell" lights will be those out in the middle of the ocean that no one will want.

Unfortunately, all does not go well in all the transfers. Before this law gave non-profits an equal footing, Point Betsie in Michigan was given to Benzie County, which has pretty much done nothing with it. GLLKA had a plan in place for its use, and was lining up funding. Not only did GLLKA get the short end of the stick, so did Point Betsie and lighthouse lovers.

Look at the current ugly situation at Currituck where the county is trying to get the light, and leave the Outer Beach Conservationists high and dry. Unfortunately you local governmental agency does not always have the well being of the light or the lighthousing public in mind when they want to take possession. They see a well run operation that has been built with lots of hard work (Currituck) and see it as a cash cow or they are selfish and want everything for themselves even if they have no idea how to care for or use it (Point Betsie).

There are many more transfers that have benefited the lighthouse and the public, and these are to be applauded and supported. You just have to carefully review each and every application to insure that the light satys in the public use or viewing arena.

Dave

I have to agree with Dave, this could be great or a tragedy. The phrase about the lighthouse reverting back to gov't ownership if it isn't kept up....If the gov't doesn't keep an eye out, and a privately owned light falls in disrepair, by the time the problem is found, the light could be too far gone to repair, and we will have lost another!

MelJB