[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 107 (Thursday, June 23, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S3163]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. REED (for himself and Mr. King):
  S. 4478. A bill to provide for assistance to improve the resilience 
of historic light stations, to study the long-term protection needs of 
historic light stations, and to establish a national database of 
historic light stations, and for other purposes; to the Committee on 
Environment and Public Works.
  Mr. REED. Mr. President, today I am introducing the Historic 
Lighthouse Resiliency Act with Senator King. This legislation would 
authorize the Army Corps of Engineers to partner with State, local, and 
nonprofit organizations, which own and operate historic light stations, 
to improve lighthouse resiliency and ensure continued public access to 
these valuable landmarks.
  Our Nation's historic lighthouses are important parts of communities 
across the country and our maritime history. They serve as beacons of 
history, education, recreation, and often are associated with the 
unique character and identity of a community. Yet these historic 
structures are facing increased risk for catastrophic damage due to sea 
level rise, flooding, and aging infrastructure.
  Indeed, in my State of Rhode Island, these historic lighthouses are 
interwoven in the fabric of our communities and our State's history. 
Rhode Island was home to perhaps the most famous lighthouse keeper in 
history, Ida Lewis. During her tenure as the Keeper of Lime Rock 
Lighthouse, Ida Lewis rescued at least 18 people and earned the title 
of ``Bravest Woman in America.'' Beavertail, Watch Hill, and Castle 
Hill Lighthouses, just to name a few of the 21 lighthouses remaining in 
my State, are iconic structures dotting the Rhode Island shoreline.
  These historic landmarks must be protected and preserved for future 
generations. This bill would allow the Army Corps of Engineers to 
conduct projects that restore damaged lighthouses and increase their 
future resiliency to the adverse effects of climate change, including 
sea level rise and severe weather events. To conduct repairs and other 
improvements, the Army Corps would partner with public or nonprofit 
entities that have acquired light stations through conveyance under the 
National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act. Additionally, it would 
require the Army Corps to conduct an assessment and maintain a database 
of all lighthouses nationwide.
  Congress has already recognized the importance of preserving these 
structures and ensuring public access in the National Historic 
Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000. However, these historic light 
stations must not only have the appropriate caretakers but must also 
have the appropriate funding to invest in infrastructure needs. Federal 
investment in lighthouse resiliency requirements will ensure they are 
maintained and accessible for future generations.
  I urge my colleagues to join us in supporting this commonsense 
legislation.
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