[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 21 (Monday, February 5, 2007)]
[Senate]
[Page S1578]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Ms. STABENOW (for herself and Mr. Levin):
  S. 490. A bill to provide for the return of the Fresnel Lens to the 
lantern room atop Presque Isle Light Station Lighthouse, Michigan, and 
for other purposes; to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and 
Transportation.
  Ms. STABENOW. Mr. President, I rise today to introduce the Lester 
Nichols Presque Isle Light Station Act of 2007.
  The Presque Isle Light Station Act requires the return of the 
historic third order Fresnel lens to the lighthouse in Presque Isle, 
MI. The lens was removed four years ago for restoration work, but now 
it is time to replace it and preserve the historic integrity of the 
beautiful Presque Isle lighthouse.
  Michigan has more lighthouses than any other State. Not only are 
these historic structures symbolic of our maritime heritage, they are 
the heart of Michigan's coastal communities. Lighthouses are a key part 
of the tourist economy of many small Michigan towns, and the historic 
character of our lighthouses brings tourists from all over the country. 
So it is imperative that we protect, restore, and preserve the Presque 
Isle lighthouse and all of Michigan's 120 lighthouses.
  I am pleased to introduce this legislation with Senator Levin. In the 
House of Representatives, Congressman Stupak is the sponsor of a 
companion bill. So the Michigan delegation is united in our resolve to 
restore the Fresnel lens to the Presque Isle lighthouse for the 
enjoyment and education of future generations.
  Finally, I want to say a word about the man for whom we have named 
this bill: Lester Nichols. Without Les Nichols' dedication we would 
never have been able to restore Presque Isle's Fresnel lens. Last fall, 
Les lost his courageous battle against cancer. He was a pillar of his 
community. He was passionate about the Presque Isle lighthouse and he 
will be truly missed. Naming this bill for him is the least we can do 
to show our gratitude for all of his work. And I hope that we will soon 
be able to put the Fresnel lens back in the lighthouse and give Les the 
victory that he so wanted to see.
  I urge all of my colleagues to support this bill.

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