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NPS Press Release

Washington, D.C.) – A non-profit organization that has been successfully restoring and managing a lighthouse on North Carolina's Outer Banks for over two decades will be granted ownership of the historic structure. Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Craig Manson has upheld the decision of the review committee, and has recommended that the lighthouse be deeded by the U. S. General Services Administration to the Outer Banks Conservationists, Inc.

The Currituck Beach Lighthouse in Corolla, North Carolina was one of about 300 lighthouses made available to federal, state and local agencies, non-profit corporations, educational agencies, or community development organizations for education, park, recreation, cultural, or historic preservation purposes under the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000.

Both the non-profit Outer Banks Conservationists, Inc. and the County of Currituck Board of Supervisors forwarded applications for ownership of lighthouse in February 2003. The National Park Service Review Committee rated the two applications in March 2003. It recommended that Outer Banks Conservationists, Inc. be awarded the lighthouse. Currituck County appealed that decision and requested a review.

The Lighthouse Preservation Act states that the final decision on the disposition of the lighthouse rests with the Secretary of the Interior. The Secretary delegated that responsibility to Assistant Secretary Manson. Manson attempted to bring the two parties together to develop a cooperative approach to the management of the lighthouse, but it became apparent that an agreement was unlikely. No further appeals are permitted.

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Editors/Producers Note: Statement from Assistant Secretary Manson attached.

The National Park Service cares for special places saved by the American people so that all may experience our heritage.

STATEMENT OF CRAIG MANSON, ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR FISH AND WILDLIFE AND PARKS
CONCERNING DECISION ON CURRITUCK BEACH LIGHTHOUSE

Today I have determined that the Outer Banks Conservationists, Inc., of Manteo, North Carolina, should have ownership of the historic Currituck Beach Lighthouse. My decision was made in accordance with the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000 (NHLPA).

Under the NHLPA, the preservation of the lighthouse comes first. The standard to be applied is the “best stewardship” standard; that is, on the record, which applicant appears best able to provide for the preservation of the lighthouse. No other consideration is relevant. That was the sole basis for today's decision.

The NHLPA is alive and well. The National Park Service soon will be announcing successful applicants for a number of other historic lightstations.

As with all processes, we strive to learn and improve constantly in the lighthouse program. I have directed the National Park Service to immediately commence a public process to develop improved policies for review of lighthouse applications, especially in cases where more than one entity has applied. All points of view will be considered in the NPS policy and those who are interested in lighthouses or historic preservation are encouraged to participate.