Senator Boxer: Good News for Mission San Miguel

September 4, 2007

For the past four years, I have been proud to stand with the California Missions Foundation, the Diocese of Monterey, the Franciscan Friars, and everyone who cares about Mission San Miguel and its future. Together, we have been working to ensure that the insurance companies that provided earthquake insurance to the Mission pay for the significant damages that resulted from the December 22, 2003 San Simeon earthquake.

It has been a difficult and lengthy process. Initially, the insurance companies that provided earthquake coverage to Mission San Miguel refused payment, citing the Mission's age as a cause of the damage. But as anyone who has visited the Mission can see - as I have - there was indeed serious damage as caused by the San Simeon earthquake.

I am pleased to tell you that a settlement finally has been reached, calling for $6.25 million to be paid by the insurance company for important repairs. Although this amount will not allow all the repairs that are needed at Mission San Miguel, it will allow for significant progress in the effort to save this badly damaged historical site.

When I visited Mission San Miguel last year, I was shocked to see large cracks in walls and other walls that had to be shored up to prevent further damage. I vowed then to help Mission San Miguel in what appeared to me to be a just fight to claim the insurance benefits that they had purchased. I am pleased to share this very good news with you today.

California’s Mission system is a significant part of our rich history as a state. The missions also provide local communities with important economic resources because of the millions of tourists who visit each year. I have passed legislation to help restore and preserve California’s missions so that they will continue to provide tangible history lessons for generations to come.

If you would like to see photos of my 2006 visit to Mission San Miguel, including photos of the areas needing repair, please go to http://boxer.senate.gov/news/photos/sanmiguel.cfm . 



Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator

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