[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 115 (Wednesday, September 8, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10612-S10613]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. COVERDELL (for himself and Mr. Cleland):
  S. 1566. A bill to direct the Administrator of General Services to 
convey certain land to the United States Postal Service, and for other 
purposes; to the Committee on Governmental Affairs.


               THE ST. SIMONS LIGHTHOUSE PRESERVATION ACT

  Mr. COVERDELL. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce legislation 
that guarantees the future of a great historic treasure in my state. 
For nearly 200 years, the lighthouse at St. Simons Island, Georgia, 
stood as a sentinel at the head of St. Simons Sound and guided ships 
safely through dangerous waters and into the port of nearby Brunswick. 
Although it is no longer used for this purpose, the lighthouse remains 
an integral part of the St. Simons Island community and is part of the 
rich heritage of this region. Unfortunately, events could soon take 
place which could do irrevocable harm to this site.
  In 1961, the United States Postal Service (USPS) leased part of the 
lighthouse property and built a small post office for the community, 
which is no longer used by the USPS. The lease was signed between the 
USPS and a private citizen, who owned the property at the time. This 
agreement, which expires in 2011, gives the USPS seven options to 
purchase the land outright at a significant discount, with the next 
purchase option being in 2001.
  Since the lease was signed, many things have changed. In 1984, the 
title to the lighthouse property was transferred to the Coastal Georgia 
Historical Society, an organization dedicated

[[Page S10613]]

to preserving the lighthouse and Georgia's coastal heritage. While the 
CGHS holds the title, the lease with the USPS remains in effect.
  It is very easy to see why many in the St. Simons community have 
grave concerns about the USPS exercising its right-to-buy option. The 
USPS has expressed its intent to exercise this option and immediately 
sell the land to a commercial developer for a huge profit. Many area 
residents do not appreciate the idea of placing a highrise hotel or a 
fast food restaurant next to the historic symbol of their community.
  The bill I am introducing today seeks to rectify this situation by 
preserving the St. Simons Lighthouse without interfering with the 
profit maximization requirements placed on the USPS. The St. Simons 
Lighthouse Preservation Act states that the General Services 
Administration will locate a sufficient federal property of equal value 
to the leased property at St. Simons and deed it to the USPS. In 
exchange, the USPS will terminate its lease.
  Passage of the St. Simons Lighthouse Preservation Act will ensure 
that future generations will be able to enjoy the Lighthouse and its 
environs. I encourage my colleagues to work with me to ensure quick 
passage of this important legislation.
                                 ______