    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book I)]
    [January 31, 2003]
    [Pages 117-118]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Return of Governors Island to the People of New York
    January 31, 2003

        I am pleased to announce the return of Governors Island to the
    people of New York. Last April, I informed the Governor and the mayor of my
    intention to make this transfer, and today, the transfer is complete.
    Also, I am reaffirming our support for the Governors Island National
    Monument, which now will encompass approximately 22 of the Island's 172
    acres, including historic Castle Williams and Fort Jay.
        Governor Pataki and Mayor
    Bloomberg have shared with me their vision
    of a Governors Island dedicated to public and civic purposes. New York's
    stewardship of the island combined with the National Park Service's
    management of the monument will lead to the development of an
    outstanding resource for the people of New York and all who visit.
        I commend the parties that worked together to make this historic
    transfer a reality, including the National Park Service, the General
    Services Administration, the United States Coast Guard, the National
    Trust for Historic Preservation, and especially the State and City of
    New York.

    Note: The proclamation of February 7 on establishment of the Governors
    Island National Monument is listed in Appendix D at the end of this
    volume.

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