For Immediate Release: June 7, 2010
Contact: David Brownlie, Refuge Manager, (508) 945-0594, dave_brownlie@fws.gov
Terri Edwards, (413) 253-8324 or (413) 244-4235 (mobile), terri_edwards@fws.gov
FFS #R5BB

Chatham, Mass. – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has awarded a $1.24 million contract to Campbell Construction Group of Peabody, Mass., to repair a historic lighthouse at Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge on Cape Cod. This economic stimulus project is funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act) of 2009.

According to Refuge Manager David Brownlie, the project will restore the historic integrity and structural soundness of the lighthouse, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Additionally, the improvements will provide a base of operations for refuge staff and volunteers when they are conducting wildlife surveys and management activities on the refuge.

The repairs will also provide the refuge with an opportunity to offer public access to the lighthouse for educational and scientific programs, said Brownlie. The programs open to the public include fishing, photography, and wildlife observation.

The lighthouse is located on South Monomoy Island, the largest in a chain of sandy barrier islands that stretch eight miles from the Cape’s elbow and make up most of Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge. Most of the refuge is also a Congressionally-designated wilderness area. Although the lighthouse station is not located within the wilderness area, the renovation will be done with minimal disturbance to the environment on the site and its surroundings.

Oak Point Associates, based in New England, completed the architectural and engineering design for the project, which has been approved by the Massachusetts State Historic Preservation Officer.

The Recovery Act gave $3 billion to the Department of the Interior. Of that amount, $280 million in funding goes to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service nationally.

The stimulus funds represent an important component of the President’s plan to jumpstart the economy and put a down payment on addressing long-neglected challenges so the country can thrive in the 21st century. Under the act, Interior is making an investment in conserving America’s timeless treasures – our stunning natural landscapes, our monuments to liberty, the icons of our culture and heritage – while helping American families and their communities prosper again. Interior is also focusing on renewable energy projects, the needs of American Indians, employing youth and promoting community service.

“With its investments of Recovery Act funds, the Department of the Interior and its bureaus are putting people to work today to make improvements that will benefit the environment and the region for many years to come,” said Secretary Salazar.

For a full list of funded projects nationwide, go to the Interior Department’s Recovery Web Site at recovery.doi.gov.

For a list of Service projects, visit the Service’s Recovery Act website.

Secretary Salazar has pledged unprecedented levels of transparency and accountability in the implementation of the Department’s economic recovery projects. The public will be able to follow the progress of each project on the recovery website which will include an interactive map that enables the public to track where and how the Department’s recovery dollars are being spent. In addition, the public can submit questions, comments or concerns at recoveryact@fws.gov.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.