WASHINGTON, D.C. – Legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. John L. Mica (R-St. Johns), “The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument Preservation and Education Act,” was passed today by a House subcommittee. The measure (H.R. 2457) authorizes federal funding for museum and visitor facilities to serve the 16th Century fortress located in St. Augustine.
“This is another important step forward in preserving and enhancing the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument for our future generations,”stated Congressman Mica.
The Congressman has been working with the City of St. Augustine and the National Park Service to improve the appearance of and access to the National Monument, which is the oldest existing permanent seacoast fortification in the continental United States. The Colonial St. Augustine Preservation Foundation, a non-profit organization formed to save and restore historic structures in St. Augustine, is working to raise private funds to match local, State and federal contributions. Concurrently, the National Park Service is expected to complete a management plan for the project later this year.
Rep. Mica introduced H.R. 2457 on June 12, 2003, and it was subsequently referred to the House Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, Recreation and Public Lands, which has legislative jurisdiction. Last July 22, Mica joined the Foundation’s Vice President, Dr. William R. Adams, Ph.D., in testifying on behalf of the proposal before the Subcommittee, which today gave unanimous approval to the bill.
“As one of our most significant State and national historic sites, the Castillo de San Marcos embodies American’s diversity and Florida’s unique heritage,” Congressman Mica said. “This project will provide a new dimension to the historic fortress and will add to the enjoyment and education of future visitors and our local citizens.”
The project includes two phases. The first includes the acquisition of the balance of adjacent properties and the design and planning stage of a visitor’s education resource center. The second phase involves the construction of the center which will include restoration of the historic area close to the fortress.
The measure must now be passed by the full House Committee on Resources before being considered on the House Floor. A similar measure must also pass the Senate before it can become law.