Dec. 8, 2006

Department of History, Arts and Libraries Director Dr. William Anderson and Michigan Historical Center Director Sandra Clark today announced $233,300 in lighthouse preservation grants to eight organizations for 2007, pending approval of the State Administrative Board.

The Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program, administered by the State Historic Preservation Office, is funded by proceeds from the sale of the "Save our Lights" license plate.  Lighthouse grants are given to state and local governments or nonprofit organizations that are maintaining or restoring lighthouses.  Recipients must provide 50 percent of the grant award as matching funds.  Since the program's inception in 2000, more than $985,000 has been awarded.

"Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state in the nation," said Anderson.  "Every Save Our Lights license plate purchased helps ensure that these Great Lakes icons - an important part of Michigan's history - are safeguarded for future generations to enjoy."

"The lighthouse grant recipients demonstrate incredible commitment," added Clark.  "We must keep in mind that the people rehabilitating lighthouses work in some of the most difficult conditions imaginable, much like the keepers of long ago.  Their dedication results in the preservation of some of Michigan's most unique and picturesque structures."

The Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program was established to assist in the preservation, rehabilitation and protection of lighthouses in Michigan.  The program arose from a concern about the disposal of over 70 lighthouses in Michigan by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Fiscal Year 2007 Michigan Lighthouse Assistance Program (MLAP) grant recipients include:

• $34,000 - Charlevoix Historical Society - Charlevoix South Pier Lighthouse
  With its second MLAP grant, the Charlevoix Historical Society will address moisture problems by repairing the roof, windows and doors; add drainage holes; replace two windows; install louvered grates in the floor; install metal flashing where needed; and repair warping steel plate skin on the exterior.
   
• $30,000 - DeTour Reef Light Preservation Society - DeTour Reef Light Station
  The DeTour Reef Light Preservation Society has received $75,000 in Michigan Lighthouse Assistance grants in four previous awards.  The society has already completed a major rehabilitation of the lighthouse and will, with the 2007 grant, replace a second "twin" deck crane.
   
• $40,000 - Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum - Grand Traverse Light Station
  The Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum will use the grant funds to waterproof the lighthouse's stone foundation; add a stone maintenance strip around the foundation; repair/replace rotting floor joists; waterproof the crawl space under the lighthouse keeper's kitchen; insulate pipes in the basement; replace the septic system and drain field; and replace the sidewalks that will be removed for the project.  This is the museum's second MLAP grant.
   
• $27,900 - Township of Grosse Ile - Grosse Ile North Channel Front Range Light
  Grant funds will be used to remove and replace the copper upper deck and railing on the lighthouse tower; scrape and paint the tower; and replace glass in the lantern room.
   
• $40,000 - Gull Rock Lightkeepers - Gull Rock Light Station
  The Gull Rock Lightkeepers received a $6,700 grant in 2006 for plans and specifications for a roof replacement and patching.  The 2007 funds will be used to pay for a new roof on the lighthouse and detached outhouse.  This is the lightkeepers' second MLAP grant.
   
• $3,400 - Keweenaw Land Trust, Inc. - Manitou Island Light Station
  Grant funds will pay for repair and replacement of security panels on the Fog Signal Building windows.  The land trust received a $10,400 award in 2004.
   
• $40,000 - County of Benzie - Point Betsie Light Station
  This will be the fifth grant awarded to Benzie County for the rehabilitation of the Point Betsie Light Station.  The $40,000 grant will pay for interior work in the lighthouse building.  Previous awards have funded exterior work on the out buildings and plans and specifications for the interior restoration.  With this grant the county's MLAP grant awards total $152,400.
   
• $18,000 - Michigan Maritime Museum - South Haven South Pier Light Station
  Grant funds will pay for a roof replacement and new downspouts on the keeper's dwelling.  This is the museum's second MLAP grant award. 

The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) assists in the identification, rehabilitation and interpretation of Michigan's historic resources.  SHPO is a division of the Michigan Historical Center, part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).  Dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan's heritage and fostering cultural creativity, HAL also includes the Library of Michigan, the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Michigan Film Office.  For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).