Cape Hatteras' Final Hours
#35063
06/02/98 09:31 PM
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LamarB
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Final Hours for Cape Hatteras
In the next six to eight weeks, the final decision concerning Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will be made. In the following article you will see why we are concerned that members of the Interior Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee be made aware of the situation at Hatteras and that many, many people care about the future of this national treasure. Please write Ralph Regula, chairman of the Appropriations Committee, and the other Committee Members listed below to express the importance of relocating the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.
We have tried to SEPARATE THE ISSUES of local business people who want beach nourishment to protect their beachfront and the desire to protect Highway 12 on the part of the Dare County Commissioners, board of realtors, etc. These concerns have nothing to do with saving this lighthouse for future generations and must be handled in other ways. Building a groin is illegal concerning both state and federal environmental laws; it was not even considered a viable solution a decade ago...why use it now when more extreme conditions exist?
Please write: Chairman Ralph Regula 2309 Rayburn House Office Bldg. Washington, DC 20515
and the other members as follows at the Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515:
Joseph M. McDade Jim Kolbe Joe Skeen Charles H. Taylor George Nethercutt Dan Miller Zach Wamp Sidney R. Yates John P. Murtha Norm Dicks David E. Skaggs James P. Moran
Personal notes do make a difference, as has been proven by many letter writing campaigns across this nation in plea for saving Cape Hatteras by relocation.
The Charlotte Observer is the largest and most respected newspaper in North Carolina. This article is right on target.
Article: From The Charlotte Observer, Tuesday, May 26, 1998
"Move the Light...Don't leave Cape Hatteras Lighthouse where it is"
Just a year ago, the congressman representing North Carolina's Outer Banks was vowing in writing to do all he could to move the world-famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse back to its original relationship with the ocean -- several thousand feet from threatening waves.
But that was before U.S. Rep. Walter B. Jones Jr. and Sen. Lauch Faircloth held a public hearing to gauge opposition to the move. After a meeting in Manteo showed the depth of local opposition to moving the structure, Rep. Jones has changed his mind -- and endorsed the worst of all options.
Rep. Jones says he now supports a cockeyed plan to keep the 128-year-old lighthouse right where it is on the edge of the ocean. To protect it, Rep. Jones proposes to violate the central principle of the N.C. Coastal Area Management Act and build a $4 million, 800-foot-long groin into the ocean to help protect the lighthouse for perhaps 15 to 25 years.
Such a groin -- which would help collect sand immediately in front of the lighthouse but also cause erosion down the beach -- would violate state law, National Park Service policy and historic preservation law. Gov. Jim Hunt and other state leaders like Senate President Pro Tem Marc Basnight wisely favor a Park Service proposal to move the lighthouse about 2,900 feet to the west, at a cost of about $12 million, including $2 million for current planning costs. The new site is well away from the fury and constant pounding of the ocean, and should protect the lighthouse for about a century.
Opponents of the move fear that the [208]-foot-tall structure could not stand the move, though engineers say there is no insurmountable problem involved. Many other lighthouses have been moved successfully, though none so tall as Hatteras. A team of scientists endorsed the move, but local residents generally oppose it.
We think moving it is not only possible, but also offers the most promise of long-term preservation while restoring its original relationship to the sea. After all, its builders didn't erect the lighthouse just a few dozen feet from the sea. They put it far from the waves.
There are too many hidden costs and unanticipated dangers associated with leaving it where it is and depending on a groin to protect it. A groin would mean constant maintenance costs, create far greater damage to adjacent beach property owned by the public, and offer only short-term protection to a valued piece of N.C. history.
A move may involve some risk. We think that's far less risk than leaving it where is is, inviting continued damage from the sea, or building a groin guaranteed to damage our coastline and require costly annual maintenance without ensuring long-term preservation. Move the lighthouse -- while there's still time. End of article.
Send your vote of confidence for the move. The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was designed and built by the government...the U.S. Lighthouse Service...and remains a federal responsibility with the National Park Service. It belongs to all of us, not just local residents who had the privilege to grow up in the warmth of its beam. And by the way, the nomination for Historic Landmark status for the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse has been accepted and will be granted after the move. FORWARD!!!
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Re: Cape Hatteras' Final Hours
#35064
06/02/98 09:48 PM
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Joined: Dec 1969
Posts: 1,155
Rod Watson
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Regula happens to be my local Congressman ...Maybe a few phone calls from us local voters of his may have a slight impact on his attitude towards the move. Can't hurt to try. Its amazing when something has a possible effect on their personal election how much they will listen! UPDATE: I wrote a long note this morning to Rep.Regula via the e-mail contact for local district voters. I am supposed to receive a response via e-mail or snail mail. If I ever do I will post it.
-RodW [This message has been edited by Rod Watson (edited 12-04-98).]
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Re: Cape Hatteras' Final Hours
#35065
06/02/98 10:57 PM
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Joined: Dec 1969
Posts: 1,194
Todd Shorkey
Super Wacko
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Rod couldn't be more right. In my profession (career fire fighter) politics are part of everyday life. I have first hand experience at just how important it is for the voting public to express their feelings to elected officials. They do listen if enough people are vocal. If you get a chance, write a letter and let's all try to save Hatteras [This message has been edited.]
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Re: Cape Hatteras' Final Hours
#35066
06/03/98 09:33 AM
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Joined: Dec 1969
Posts: 13,047
Webmaster
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Rep. Regula isn't much interested in hearing from Americans outside his Ohio district, judging by his home page. He doesn't list his email address and states that "Residents of Ohio's 16th District can contact him electronically..." http://www.house.gov/regula/ . Much the same for others. Does anyone know of a site that will include email addresses for ALL representatives? In checking some of the other Rep's web sites, I've found that of David Skaggs of Colorado. His site states: My e-mail address is david.skaggs@mail.house.gov . I respond by e-mail to all messages that I get from Coloradans, whether or not they live in the district I represent. (While it's important to me to hear everyone's views, I'm afraid we can't respond to Coloradans promptly if we also were to try to respond to people from other states and countries.) [This message has been edited.]
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Re: Cape Hatteras' Final Hours
#35067
06/04/98 01:47 AM
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Joined: Dec 1969
Posts: 1,042
LamarB
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Thanks everyone for your support of saving OUR Cape Hatteras lighthouse the only sensible way... Move it. The e-mail addresses of U.S Representatives that have e-mail addresses can be found at: www.house.govFor Senators it's: www.senate.govThe daughter of one of our friends was until recently on Sen. John Breaux's staff. She says that each Member of Congress is informed of correspondence regardless of it's origin. Naturally, constituents have the most influence but out of state sources aren't ignored. She says also that by far the most effective mode of communication other than face-to-face is a brief, one page letter signed by the sender and with a return address. Thank you all for your help saving America's lighthouse.
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Re: Cape Hatteras' Final Hours
#35068
06/19/98 02:51 PM
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Joined: Dec 1969
Posts: 1,042
LamarB
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Awful News: As Harbour Lights enthusiasts, we know you are concerned about the fate of lighthouses all over the world. Yesterday the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse was dealt what may be a fatal blow. The following is a news release sent out today: TO: WVOD NEWS CENTRAL FROM: YOCUM – OCRACOKE BUREAU DATE: JUNE 19; 1100 HOURS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Hatteras lighthouse future uncertain The future of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse appears grim following a decision by a committee of the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday to remove all federal funding for projects designed to rescue the famous landmark from the encroaching ocean. WVOD news correspondent Thomas Yocum reports the House stripped a $9.8 million request from President Clinton that would have allowed the National Park Service to relocate the lighthouse 2,900 feet to the southwest. The house action came at the request of Congressman Walter Jones who instead asked that $4 million be appropriated for construction of a fourth protective steel groin near the base of the light. House members failed to include funding for the groin, leaving the lighthouse with no money for either relocation or protection in place. Jones says he decided to fight relocation of the lighthouse after hearing from Buxtom residents who say moving the lighthouse could jeopardize the local economy. Residents say state and federal officials need to keep on-going beach nourishment programs in place to protect the lighthouse, local homes and businesses, and Highway 12 from the advancing ocean. ******************************************* Congress needs to be made aware that the loss of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will not only effect the current residents of Buxton and North Carolina, but millions worldwide as well as future generations that may never get a chance to see it. Outer Banks Lighthouse Society P.O. Box 305 Kill Devil Hills NC 27948 Society: (919) 441-9928 http://www.outer-banks.com/lighthouse-society[This message has been edited by LamarB.]
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Re: Cape Hatteras' Final Hours
#35069
06/19/98 03:52 PM
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Joined: Dec 1969
Posts: 13,047
Webmaster
Saint
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House members failed to include funding for the groin, leaving the lighthouse with no money for either relocation or protection in place. Jones says he decided to fight relocation of the lighthouse after hearing from Buxtom residents who say moving the lighthouse could jeopardize the local economy. Residents say state and federal officials need to keep on-going beach nourishment programs in place to protect the lighthouse, local homes and businesses, and Highway 12 from the advancing ocean. I wonder what the local economy will be like with there is no more Cape Hatteras lighthouse to draw tourists? Once again those with a vested interest in having something done one way (protecting 'homes and businesses' rather than the lighthouse) have swayed a local representative and the Congress will seldom go against the wishes of a representative from the area where the funding is supposed to help. What's needed is major national news exposure of the plight of the Cape Hatteras lighthouse and how little the $9.8 million represents compared with the other special interest spending that is dictated by the U.S. Government. Anybody have connections with one of the networks or CNN or a national newsmagazine? Now's the time to get in touch with those friends. Thanks, Lamar for keeping us up-to-date.
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Re: Cape Hatteras' Final Hours
#35070
06/19/98 04:54 PM
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Joined: Dec 1969
Posts: 1,042
LamarB
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Suggestions from Outer Banks Lighthouse Society about what WE can do: We need to tell Congress that this is the last chance to save the lighthouse...to put the money back...we hope Senator Lauch Faircloth, Republican from North Carolina, will put the money in the Senate version. Letters to members of the House Appropriation Subcommittee (see list of members on the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society page) will help if Jones comes back again pushing for the groin. Obviously he must have run into opposition because they didn't give him the $4 million he asked for. What really has happened is that Congressman Jones has failed in his bid to build the groin. It is gonna have to be MOVE IT OR LOSE IT!! The debate has not ended, but has moved to another level. One in which we need to step up our efforts to convince Congress that the only way to save the lighthouse is to move it, as supported by President Clinton's request for the funding, Governor Jim Hunt, the National Park Service, the National Academy of Sciences, North Carolina environmental groups and Lighthouse Societies all over the United States. Outer Banks Lighthouse Society P.O. Box 305 Kill Devil Hills NC 27948 Society: (919) 441-9928 http://www.outer-banks.com/lighthouse-society
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Re: Cape Hatteras' Final Hours
#35071
06/23/98 10:42 PM
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Joined: Dec 1969
Posts: 3
gaylek
Junior Member
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Junior Member
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Those of you who want email addresses for members of Congress can find them at: http://congress.org/main.htmlI wrote to Senator Faircloth, Sen. Helms, and my local representative, Rep. Mike McIntyre. So far, I've received email back saying, "We answer by Snail Mail." So far, I've received Snail from Sen. Helms, and it wasn't very encouraging. I don't particularly like Sen. Helms' politics, but I can't help wondering where his heart is these days. Back in the early 1980s when there was a Save the Lighthouse campaign for Hatteras, he teamed up with arch-rival Gov. Hunt. Why isn't he pushing for Hatteras Lighthouse to be moved now when Gov. Hunt knows that's the right thing to do? Gayle Keresey Wilmington, NC
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Re: Cape Hatteras' Final Hours
#35072
06/24/98 12:52 PM
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Joined: Dec 1969
Posts: 1,042
LamarB
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I'm currently in the process of compiling a snail mailing list of all U.S. Senators. It'll be in MS Word format, suitable for use in mail merge. If you'd like to have a copy e-mail me and I'll e-mail you a copy.
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Re: Cape Hatteras' Final Hours
#35073
06/25/98 10:08 AM
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Joined: Dec 1969
Posts: 1,042
LamarB
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I just moments ago received a phone call from Bruce Roberts of the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society telling me it's too late for snail mail. The funds to move Cape Hatteras were left in the Senate version intact last night. Within the next 24 hours the Senate and House Committees will meet to 'iron out' the differences. Bruce suggested that the best thing we can do is contact Rep. Ralph Regula by phone, fax and/or e-mail asking for his support in keeping the $9 million to move Cape Hatteras rather than $4 million to build another steel groin in the joint version of the appropriations bill. It seems that Rep. Walter Jones of NC neglected to tell Rep. Regula that it's against both state and federal environmental laws to build another steel groin at Cape Hatteras. We need to emphasize this fact. If the groin proposal is approved, environmental groups will seek injunctive court action that will result in no action being taken any time soon. This means no action on saving Cape Hatteras lighthouse. In summation, it's move it or lose it! Please, Cape Hatteras lighthouse needs your help NOW. Representative Ralph Regula (202) 225-3876 telephone (202) 225-3059 fax http://www.house.gov/regula/ to send e-mail to Rep. Regula Thank you. Lamar
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Re: Cape Hatteras' Final Hours
#35074
06/25/98 12:48 PM
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Joined: Dec 1969
Posts: 1,155
Rod Watson
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I just had a 20-25 minute phone conversation with Laurie Rally (spelling?) from Chairman Regula's office to state my opinion concerning the Hatteras debate. I am a local constituate of Regula's, and she returned my call fairly quickly.
She did not really elaberate on Mr. Regula's opinions of the topic well, but at least seemed to be interested in all the issues I had stressed. She asked questions and seemed to interact with me on the subject vs. just listening to me babble on. I felt she was not all that well educated on the subject, but seemed surprised at how so many people in the "landlocked" Ohio 16th district and other parts of the country were so interested and educated on the issue. I almost felt she was learning about the issue as we spoke (typical)
We talked for quite awhile, and I brought up all the concerns of the groin (and legality of) vs. the move. Also that I felt most of the local land and business owners of the area and Congressman Jones were more concerned about the lure of Federal pork to help protect their own property vs. truely concerned about saving a National Landmark etc, etc.
I'm sure in their eyes it is just one opinion from a local "lighthouse nut", but if everyone else calls in their opinions it just might make a slight impact. I really believe they have no clue of how many people around the country are truely concerned with saving lighthouses.
-RodW [This message has been edited by Rod Watson (edited 12-04-98).]
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Re: Cape Hatteras' Final Hours
#35075
06/25/98 03:01 PM
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Joined: Dec 1969
Posts: 202
Bob St Clair
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Faxed my concerns on Cape Hatteras.
Bob
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Re: Cape Hatteras' Final Hours
#35076
06/25/98 09:08 PM
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Anonymous
Unregistered
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Anonymous
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I just faxed a letter to Rep. Regula. For those that may be interested, this is what I wrote:
"Dear Congressman Regula, I used to be the Chairman of the Legislative Committee for the Southwest Region of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, so I know you favor hearing from your constituents. However, for very important matters, I also know you are concerned with what others may have to say, especially in your current position.
I am writing to ask for your support in re-instating the $9.8 Million needing to relocate the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. This National Monument is not only a beacon to sailors on the sea, it is a beacon to our national heritage, past, present, and future. At this moment, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse stands ready to be consumed by the same waters she has protected for 128 years. If nothing is done, this famous beacon will be extinguished for all time. Please help us in "Keeping the Flame" for Cape Hatteras.
If I may be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me at 504-654-4453. Thank you for your time, and what I am sure will be your help in this matter."
Keep those cards and letters coming!!
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Re: Cape Hatteras' Final Hours
#35077
06/25/98 09:28 PM
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Joined: Dec 1969
Posts: 8,949
WackoPaul
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I received the following group e-mail from the Lighthouse Gallery and Gifts. I felt it was important to pass it along to those who haven't heard the information. It isn't over but it is more encouraging news. Subject: Special Bulletin Date: Thu, 25 Jun 1998 11:25:14 -0400 From: "Lighthouse Gallery & Gifts, Inc" To: lighthouses@outer-banks.com
*****BULLETIN*****BULLETIN*****BULLETIN*****BULLETIN*****BULLETIN*****BULLET IN***** SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE APPROVES $9.8 MILLION TO MOVE CAPE HATTERAS LIGHTHOUSE
(WASHINGTON, D.C.) -- U.S. Senator Lauch Faircloth announced today that the Senate Appropriations Committee, of which he is a member, had approved $9.8 million to move the erosion-threatened Cape Hatteras Lighthouse one-half mile inland.
The provision was included in the Fiscal Year 1999 Interior Department's spending bill. The bill is expected to be approved by the full Senate in July. The House and Senate will work out differences between their respective bills in a conference committee later this summer.
However, Senator Faircloth believes that, when the House and Senate bills are conferenced in August, the Senate funds will be included. "The Lighthouse is too important a state treasure to lose; we'll make it happen, " Senator Faircloth stated.
"This issue has been debated for over a decade now," said Senator Faircloth. "And for all that time the scientific community has been united that moving the Lighthouse is the only sure way to protect it for future generations."
"President Clinton's budget included the money this year. Governor Hunt has stated that he supports the move, based on the scientific consensus, and the environmental consequences of allowing exceptions to be made to North Carolina's 1985 law banning all coastal hardening structures. The Senate Appropriations Committee agreed with President Clinton and Governor Hunt that the move is the only long-term, environmentally sound way to save it," said Senator Faircloth.
"Everyone involved in this debate over how best to save the Lighthouse has sincerely and passionately argued their case. Everyone wants to save it, they just differ on how. Although there will never be full public consensus, I believe that the course of action the Senate has taken today will be best for the Lighthouse, best for our coast, and best for our State," Senator Faircloth continued. "It ensures that future generations of North Carolinians can proudly view and visit the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse."
-- more --
The other alternative often talked about, the fourth groin, would, according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, cost $6.4 million because it would also require expensive beachfilling. But, in reality, it would never be built, since these structures are illegal under State law; instead the whole matter would simply be tied up in the courts until a storm claimed the Lighthouse. In addition, the Congress has also made clear that it will not fund activities, such as the groin, which are inconsistent with state and federal environmental laws.
The State's environmental organizations have long opposed any attempts at weakening the State's ban on hardening the coast. The N.C. Coastal Federation, Southern Environmental Law Center, and the N.C. Chapter of the Sierra Club have all written Governor Hunt and Senator Faircloth to urge them to support moving the Lighthouse and to oppose the fourth groin. Todd Miller, the Executive Director of the N.C. Coastal Federation, stated that : "We applaud the Senate Appropriations Committee's action to protect the Lighthouse. Time is running out as it inches closer to the sea each day. Only 120 feet stands between it and the ocean, so we don't have much time left, since the ocean is eroding up to 10 feet a year on Hatteras Island."
The April 9, 1998, public meeting which Senator Faircloth and U.S. Representative Walter B. Jones, Jr. conducted in Manteo, N.C., revealed that the debate over the Lighthouse had also become wrapped up in larger issues, in particular how best to protect property and infrastructure in the Outer Banks. Local political leaders expressed concern that the Outer Banks was not receiving adequate state and federal assistance for beach replenishment, and that Highway 12's fate was in jeopardy.
" I will work with Senator Basnight, Congressman Jones and State officials to see that these concerns are addressed, " Senator Faircloth said. "The Outer banks generates a large amount of North Carolina's tourist revenue, and it hosts millions of tourists a year; its needs cannot just be met by local resources alone."
BACKGROUND
When the Lighthouse was constructed in 1870 it stood one-half mile from the ocean. However, constant erosion has now placed it only 120 feet from the ocean, and heavy storms like Hurricane Gordon in 1994 have sometimes even caused the Lighthouse to be stranded on a temporary island. Experts predict that a Category III or higher hurricane or three back-to-back Northeasters would topple it.
In addition, the yellow pine platform on which it rests is only stable because it has been bathed in a fresh water lens for the last 130 years. This oxygen-free environment has protected the timbers from destruction by decay fungi, insects, and marine borers. But, as the sea
-- more --
encroaches, the lens is being pushed away, exposing the timbers to possible infestation by these seaborne wood-destroying parasites. The receding freshwater lens will also ultimately cause the top of the timbers to be exposed to air, and thus dry rot.
The proposed new location will place the Lighthouse (on a new concrete foundation) in exactly the same position -- relative both to the sea and to the other structures of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Historic District -- as it was when the Lighthouse was built in 1870. Last year Congress approved $2 million to begin the process of preparing for the move. On June 19, 1998, the National Park Service, which owns the Lighthouse, awarded the moving contract to International Chimney Company of Buffalo, N.Y.
Because of winter Northeasters and summer and fall hurricanes, there is only a small window of time in which the Lighthouse can be moved each year, roughly April-May. The move is now scheduled for those months in 1999.
###
************************************************ But we still need to make sure the money that is put in the final budget is for the move. People need to call Ralph Regula's office (202) 225-3576 and tell them NOT to put the money for the groin back in the House budget. It is illegal for harden structures to be built on the North Carolina coastline and if money for that was approved, the funds would be tied up in a court battle for years during which time Cape Hatteras would loses it's battle with the elements. Outer Banks Lighthouse Society P.O. Box 305 Kill Devil Hills NC 27948 Society: (919) 441-9928 http://www.outer-banks.com/lighthouse-society
Onward to The Land of the Midnight Sun!
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Re: Cape Hatteras' Final Hours
#35078
10/12/03 11:46 AM
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 3,298
seagirt
Cruise Director
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Just was looking through this one...another oldie but goodie from Hatteras...kinda weird reading this now, after we know it was moved and all...
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Re: Cape Hatteras' Final Hours
#35079
10/12/03 01:24 PM
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Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 2,349
Lighthouser
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Thanks seagirt, for bringing that thread back from the archives.
Never hurts to review past history.
What a time that was!
Judy
Judy
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Re: Cape Hatteras' Final Hours
#35080
10/12/03 11:10 PM
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Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,075
Larry
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I see Jones has been an idiot for many years.
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