Bodie Island Lighthouse is in trouble. The restoration project could be delayed/stalled indefinitely. There is money in the NPS kitty for a good part of what's needed, but red tape doesn't allow it to be transferred from one project to another.
Please read the newspaper article from the Outer Banks Sentinel referred to in Paul's post above. Here is the actual press release from Cape Hatteras National Seashore (CAHA) dated January 21, 2011:
The Bodie Island Lighthouse, located south of Nags Head just off of NC Highway 12, has been the subject of a massive restoration project since December 2009. Significant and major restoration work was accomplished this past year to protect this iconic beacon, but, as is often the case with other restoration projects involving aging, historic structures, unforeseen issues arose that have complicated the full completion of the restoration work.
Last summer, while removing layers of paint and corrosion, the NPS contractor discovered significant structural integrity issues associated with the support structures under the balcony. A structural assessment has been completed to determine the seriousness and full extent of those findings, which included problems with framing, lantern beam supports, masonry and stitching, and steel drum and belt course segments located at the top of the lighthouse.
Efforts are underway to obtain the additional funding needed to resolve these issues. Work in the lighthouse will end this spring and the facility will be secured until funding is obtained.”
CAHA has $1.1 million left over from the renovation of Park Headquarters. They would like to transfer this money to the $1.6 million which is needed to complete the restoration of Bodie Island Lighthouse (BILH) however there was language in the 2009 appropriations budget for National Parks that prohibits the transfer of monies for projects within a National Park. BILH is a very time-sensitive project as it will cost US taxpayers twice as much money ($3 million) to finish the project if money is not transferred within the next few weeks. The scaffold will be removed and the newly fabricated iron and glass will be stored. $3.1 million was awarded initially and the project is 85% complete. It is important that our legislators vote immediately to allow CAHA to use the surplus money for BILH. CAHA is not the only National Park in this situation and officials are desperately trying to do something. The Park is committed to this restoration and are diligently working to procure these funds. We will keep you updated.
So close, but yet so far...