Per an article in the Virginian-Pilot yesterday, (7/30/03) 2 nonprofit agencies have applied for ownership, Harbour Credit Counseling Services, Inc and Veterans First Incorporated. Ray Noftsinger and his wife, Shirley, (he is president of Harbour Credit Counseling Services, and a member of the USLHS and American Lighthouse Foundation)recently inspected the lighthouse in May. They have submitted a three-phase plan to restore the lighthouse for public purposes. First step will be immediate maintenance, making it more accessible for workers. Next making it safer as some of the catwalk supports are corroded or gone, ladder rungs are missing and there is no bumper for boats. Third would be a complete restoration to the light's condition in 1891. He stated his agency has money to devote to the project, but hopes to get corporate sponsorships and donations to help with the cost.

I was glad to read this lenghty article on this caisson lighthouse. I don't think there are many people who would even think about taking on such a project with offshore lighthouses.

Joyce