Here's the latest on Cape Hatteras Lighthouse from Cheryl Roberts of the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society:

Lighthouse Relocation is the Best Value

Opponents of the planned relocation of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse say the $12 million price tag for the move is too exensive, and that the National Park
Service should instead opt for a $6.4 million groin and beach nourishment project designed to halt the advancing ocean. But supporters of the move say relocation foes such as Hugh Morton need to check their calculations if they want taxpayers to get the most for their money.
The relocation of the lighthouse will preserve the famous landmark for at least 100 years. A fourth groin, with an estimated cost that has climbed from $2 million in April of this year to a current $6.4 million, is only
designed to protect the light for a maximum of 20 years. Following that, groin proponents
admit the lighthouse will have to be relocated, with an inflationary price tag
well above the current move costs.
The cost per annum for relocation is $120,000 per year, with no adjustment
necessary for inflation since the money will be spent within the next fiscal year. By comparison, the cost for the groin project is $320,000 per year PLUS a minimum of $10 million (at current values) for relocation once the new groin fails.
Morton's critics say the fourth groin proposal is a "pig in a poke" for taxpayers. Not only is the groin illegal under state and federal law, but it constitutes a retreat from North Carolina's prohibitions against beach hardening that will have far-reaching effects.
Dr. Stanley Riggs, an expert on the geology and ecology of the Outer Banks
at East Carolina University, says construction of a groin along the fragile
barrier island beachfront will lead the state down a slippery slope.
"Have we not learned anything from the ongoing loss of structures and miles of coastal highway each winter when numerous nor'east storms take their toll?" Riggs asked in a recent article for The Charlotte Observer newspaper.
"The lessons of hurricanes Fran and Bertha have already been forgotten as our leaders follow their politcally expedient path paved by funds of the wealthy pursuing their uninformed personal agendas."
The small but vocal minority on Hatteras Island who oppose the move are fond of saying the lighthouse is "theirs." Although it is easy to see how a small community that has earned so much from the lighthouse's presence in their community can feel a firm attachment to the landmark, it is puzzling to see the
same merchants and property owners willing to sacrifice the lighthouse for a few more years of profits.
The Hatteras light is a symbol of the country and the rich maritime heritage of the state. It is an unique landmark that needs to be protected for future generations, not held hostage by the agendas of a few beachfront
business owners.
The state coastal management division has consistently opposed calls for construction of a fourth groin. Environmental groups promise a lengthy court battle if Buxton property owners and other developers try to change the current regulations against beach hardening.
"In reality, a [fourth groin] 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 it clear that it will not fund activities, such as a groin, which are inconsistent with state and federal laws," said a spokesman for U.S. Sen.
Lauch Faircloth, a firm supporter of the lighthouse relocation plan.
Those close to the issue say that it appears that Mr. Morton is spending hundreds of thousands of dollars, some of which was contributed by North Carolina school children a decade ago in an effort to force the
National Park Service to accept a plan to save the lighthouse that no qualified scientific experts support.
History has shown that Morton has a myopic view of the future when it comes to heritage tourism. The battleship U.S.S. North Carolina, another of Morton's schemes, sits rusting at its berth, the victim of Morton's short-sightedness and lack of understanding about the long-term costs of maintaining historic artifacts.
A state-wide effort is now underway to bail Morton's battleship out of hock before it slips under the water. Fortunately for the U.S.S. North Carolina, continued funding may keep it afloat until a more permanent solution can be found.
But, as the experts continue to say, the lighthouse simply doesn't have time to wait.
The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, and the American taxpayers, deserve the most
economical and feasible solution to the plight of the light. As study after study continues to show, that solution is the safe relocation of the lighthouse away from the advancing ocean and back to its original historic context 1,600 feet from the Atlantic.

Our society has been reminded that as the vote for relocation draws near sometime in September, writing to Regula and his colleague, Debbie Weatherly is of utmost importance to make sure the facts get through to those who are far-removed from the situation. You can write Regula:
Chairman Ralph Regula
2309 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

and Debbie Weatherly
Interior Appropriations Committee
B308 Rayburn House Office Building
Wahsington, D.C. 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3081
E-mail : debbie.weatherly@mail.house.gov