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Press Release

For Immediate Release
July 3, 2008
Contact: Sean C. Bonyun
(202) 225-3761

Upton Working to Return Control of St. Joe's Landmark Lighthouse to Community 

St. Joseph icon set to take center stage during annual July 4th
fireworks spectacular

ST. JOSEPH, MI –Congressman Fred Upton (R-St. Joseph) joined St. Joseph
Mayor Robert Judd this afternoon at the base of the city's landmark
lighthouse to fully throw his support behind the effort to transfer
ownership of the lighthouse from the federal government to the city of
St. Joseph.  Upton is urging the General Services Administration to
approve of the transfer of authority.  The announcement comes as the St.
Joseph Lighthouse, which celebrated its 100th year in 2007, will once
again be the featured backdrop for the community's annual fireworks
display on Friday.

"The St. Joseph lighthouse is the enduring symbol of our community, and
I am pleased that we have an opportunity to transfer ownership of our
icon back to the folks of St. Joseph," said Upton.  "As we are set to
celebrate our nation's birthday, the landmark St. Joseph Lighthouse will
once again take center stage.  For generations to come, the St. Joseph
Lighthouse will continue to be a loyal beacon for our magnificent
shores."   

"We appreciate the work of Congressman Upton and we are looking forward
to working together to secure the St. Joseph lighthouses that are a
symbol and historic landmark of the city," said Mayor Judd. 

The full text of Upton's letter to the General Services Administration
is below:


Ms. Lisa A. Tangney
U.S. General Services Administration
Property Disposal Division

Dear Ms. Tangney:

This letter is in strong support of the City of St. Joseph's intent to
receive the St. Joseph Pierhead and Inner Lights under the National
Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act.

The historic St. Joseph lighthouse is truly the symbol of the community.
St. Joseph's lighthouse legacy has included five historic structures,
including most recently, the North Pier lighthouses which were completed
as a range light system in 1907.  These architectural icons, along with
their original Fresnel lenses and restored catwalk, survive as one of
only two range light systems still active in the Great Lakes today.  The
St. Joseph lighthouse was also featured on a United States postage stamp
in 1995.

The City of St. Joseph plans to restore, preserve, and maintain this
important monument for future generations.  The City understands and
appreciates the lighthouse and the commercial shipping industry it was
built to serve, and how it remains vital to our understanding of the
past, present, and future.  The City of St. Joseph has made preparations
and even secured private donations to assist in the lighthouse project.

Few shoreline communities in the Great Lakes region can offer such a
rich blend of past traditions, and under the stewardship of the City of
St. Joseph, we can look forward to centuries of our lighthouse and
serving as a loyal beacon for our magnificent shores.

Again, I strongly support the City of St. Joseph's efforts to preserve
and protect this important landmark.

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