Received this message today from Craig Manson, regarding the ownership struggle for Currituck Light. Three cheers!!!

Today I have determined that the Outer Banks Conservationists, Inc., of
Manteo, North Carolina, should have ownership of the historic Currituck
Beach Lighthouse. My decision was made in accordance with the National
Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000 (NHLPA).


Under the NHLPA, the preservation of the lighthouse comes first. The
standard to be applied is the "best stewardship" standard; that is, on the
record, which applicant appears best able to provide for the preservation
of the lighthouse. No other consideration is relevant. That was the sole
basis for today's decision.


The NHLPA is alive and well. The National Park Service soon will be
announcing successful applicants for a number of other historic
lightstations.


As with all processes, we strive to learn and improve constantly in
the lighthouse program. I have directed the National Park Service to
immediately commence a public process to develop improved policies for
review of lighthouse applications, especially in cases where more than one
entity has applied. All points of view will be considered in the NPS
policy process and all who are interested in lighthouses or historic
preservation are encouraged to participate. Information will be made
available soon about this process.