8th District Congressman and Upper Makefield Supervisor Stress Importance of Washington Crossing and Create Organizations to Protect it for All to See

(Bristol, PA) – On a conference call with reporters today, Pennsylvania Congressman Patrick Murphy (D-8th District) was joined by Supervisor Dan Rattigan (R-Upper Makefield) to announce the formation of a bipartisan Washington Crossing Task Force and a non-profit organization to assist with preserving the visitor’s center site. This announcement follows on the heels of weeks of troubling news that the visitor’s center might be at risk of closing. Murphy and Rattigan formed this task force to show support for this site and to ensure it remains a big draw for people from across the country. On the call, Murphy and Rattigan also announced the formation of a “friends group” – a bipartisan 501(c)(3) organization that will bring together local, state, federal and private individuals who share a common goal of protecting Washington Crossing and its history. Last week, Murphy convened a bipartisan meeting with Bucks County and township leaders to discuss potential proposals and the best way forward to preserve the Washington Crossing Visitor’s Center. Supervisors Dan Rattigan and Dan Worden, State Reps. Santarsiero and Scott Petri attended as did Bucks County Commissioners James Cawley and Diane Marseglia. Today’s conference call stressed the importance of Washington Crossing and also included the discussion of other proposals for protecting the site – including the National Parks system and other options.

“I am proud to join with Supervisor Rattigan, State Representative Santarsiero and others across Bucks County to form not only a task force, but a friends group to protect the jewel that is Washington Crossing,” said Congressman Patrick Murphy. “We need to use every tool at our disposal to protect Washington Crossing – and that includes working together, Democrats and Republicans across all levels of government to protect this state-run site. People across Bucks County cherish Washington Crossing and this bipartisan group will do everything in our power to make sure we continue to have the Visitor’s Center and make it better than ever.”

Reviving a 501(c)(3) – Friends Group
Rep. Murphy and Supervisor Rattigan announced that one of the first acts of their task force will be to revive a 501(c)(3) non profit organization to protect and preserve the Washington Crossing Visitor’s Center. This bipartisan organization includes representatives from local, state and federal government as well as private individuals. These proven leaders will continue to come up with solutions to help this state-run facility recover. It will also serve as a vehicle for private fundraising on behalf of the site.

For Immediate Release, March 17, 2009
Contact: Adam Abrams, (202) 225-4276