The following came to me from Bob Trapani:

Hello,

I recently emailed a story that talked about the pursuit of an appropriations bill in Congress to help the oyster industry (4 million) and New Point Comfort Light ($450,000) in the Chesapeake Bay. Well, here is the latest -- it looks like it will go through as it only requires the signature of President Bush to make it official.

What was good to read was a quote from Rep. Jo Ann Davis who said, "The preservation of this lighthouse and our water heritage must remain a priority,"

New Point Comfort Article

Anytime a lighthouse receives funding via congressional support, it raises the chances of future lights to obtain appropriations. The more legislators understand how important lighthouses are to our communities, the higher the value and appreciation attached to them by the general public. In turn, lighthouse groups will be more attractive recipients for the financial support so critical to our preservation efforts. Let's all do our part to attract the attention of our legislators for our projects -- it makes a difference with both the local and national lighthouse scene.

Joyce