“We look forward to working with Ken Salazar, the Secretary of the Interior, to preserve our American heritage, the American Mustang. We cannot wait for the day where the American people can visit their own eco-sanctuary to see wild mustangs and burros roaming free. The wild horses and burros deserve to be protected; they are part of our American Heritage.” – Madeleine Pickens, May 8, 2009
GOVERNOR CORZINE HAILS $27 MILLION IN STIMULUS FUNDING FOR ELLIS ISLAND
ELLIS ISLAND – Governor Corzine welcomed the announcement by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar that one of America’s best known national treasures, Ellis Island will be receiving $27 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding for preservation efforts. Governor Corzine and members of the New Jersey and New York congressional delegations participated in meetings with Secretary Salazar today to discuss the future of Ellis Island.
“For millions of Americans, Ellis Island is a meaningful reminder of their cultural and historic heritage. For billions of people around the world, it is a symbol of freedom,” Governor Corzine said. “I am gratified that the U.S. Department of the Interior, under the leadership of Secretary Salazar and the Obama Administration, will be investing $27 million in federal stimulus funding for the preservation of facilities on Ellis Island. I also want to thank the New Jersey and New York congressional delegations for their commitment in securing this funding.”
The ARRA funds will help to stabilize the Baggage/Dormitory Building as well as the Island’s seawall.
The Governor said the project is an excellent compliment to New Jersey’s recent efforts, which include the creation of the Ellis Island Advisory Commission and Green Acres funding through the state Department of Environmental Protection to rehabilitate a pedestrian walkway that will give access to the south side of Ellis Island.
“Just as it was a gateway for so many millions of people in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, today Ellis Island is a gateway for people seeking their roots and exploring American heritage. This federal funding will help to preserve and protect this national treasure for future generations to experience,” added the Governor.
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Ellis Island opened on January 1, 1892 and operated until 1954, processing more than 12 million immigrants that passed through the facility located in New York Harbor. The main building was restored and opened as a museum on September 10, 1990. On May 26, 1998 the U.S. Supreme Court recognized and acknowledged New Jersey’s jurisdiction over a substantial portion of Ellis Island. ###
