Press Release - Congress Passes Jones Bill On Preservation Of Lake Mattamuskeet Lodge

CONGRESS PASSES JONES BILL ON PRESERVATION OF LAKE MATTAMUSKEET LODGE

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Late Friday night, the U.S. Senate passed H.R. 5094 - legislation introduced by Representative Walter B. Jones (R-NC) that would require the conveyance of Mattamuskeet Lodge and surrounding property to the state of North Carolina. The bill already passed the House of Representatives on September 12, 2006. The transfer would permit the state to use the property as a public facility dedicated to the conservation of the natural and cultural resources of North Carolina. The Senate passed the bill by unanimous consent. It now moves to the President for signature into law.

"I am grateful for the Senate's bipartisan support of this legislation, and I'd like to thank Senators Richard Burr and Elizabeth Dole for their help in securing passage of H.R. 5094," Congressman Jones said. "I am also especially grateful to State Senator Marc Basnight and his staff for their help in developing this legislation, and to the Fish and Wildlife Service for their support."

"This week's passage of H.R. 5094 and the conveyance of the Mattamuskeet Lodge to the State of North Carolina will allow the process of restoring this landmark facility to begin," Jones said. "Because the federal government has been unable to devote the several million dollars that will be required to restore the Mattamuskeet Lodge, transfer to state ownership is the right action for the future of the Lodge and for the people of Hyde County."

"For years, this historic facility - built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1937 - served as a cultural focal point in Eastern North Carolina as local residents gathered at the facility for high school proms, weddings, and other community events," Jones said. "Sadly, six years ago, the lodge was closed to the public because of dangerous structural problems. But with the passage of H.R. 5094 and the President's signature, I am hopeful that this important cultural symbol may be restored as soon as possible."

In a letter submitted for the record during a hearing of the House Resources Committee, North Carolina State Senator Marc Basnight wrote: "The State's acquisition of the Lodge is a wonderful opportunity for the people of Hyde County and the State of North Carolina. This facility could be used as a community center, a local museum, a research station or any number of other educational, tourism and recreational purposes. I am committed to working to secure funding at the State level to begin the process of stabilization and restoration of the Lodge, which is on the National Register of Historic Properties."

For additional information or to schedule an interview with Congressman Walter B. Jones please contact Kathleen Joyce at (202) 225-3415.

http://jones.house.gov/html/release.cfm?id=451