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.

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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.]