Introduction

The National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000 (NHLPA), 16 U.S.C. 470, authorizes the disposal of historic lighthouses and stations. The Act amends the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and establishes a national lighthouse preservation program. The NHLPA recognizes the cultural, recreational and educational value associated with these historic resources by allowing lighthouse properties to be transferred at no cost to federal agencies, state and local governments, nonprofit corporations and community development organizations for park and recreation, cultural and historic, and educational uses.

For the first time, nonprofit entities are on equal footing with federal agencies and other public bodies to obtain historic lighthouse properties. Nonprofit organizations are encouraged to organize and incorporate prior to the official notice of available lights being issued. A group's financial ability to maintain the historic lighthouses and adhere to historic covenants and other terms and conditions of the transfer will be given significant consideration in the review process.

Eligible lighthouses and stations will be announced through a Notice of Availability, sent directly to interested parties, published in local newspapers, and posted on the Web. Interested parties who respond to the Notice within 60 days will be sent an Application to Obtain Lighthouse Station Property. Completed applications are to be submitted to the Department of Interior within 90 days from receipt. Applicants will be provided the opportunity to inspect the property during an open house. Applications will be judged on the merits of the preservation and use plan, and the financial and management plan. Conveyance documents will include covenants for historic preservation and public access. U. S. Coast Guard personnel will have the right of access to maintain and service the aids to navigation equipment for active lights.

For more information on the NHLPA transfer process, visit the National Park Service website, or contact the Michigan Lighthouse Project staff at SHPO.

Agencies' roles in the process

U.S. Coast Guard identifies and reports excess light stations to General Services Administration (GSA).

Department of the Interior issues application to interested parties; reviews and evaluates applicants; and selects no cost grantee.

General Services Administration issues Notice of Availability to interested parties; develops and executes conveyance documents.

For more information

• Full text of legislation [PDF]
• Flow chart of process

Michigan Historical Center, Department of History, Arts and Libraries
Use and Reproduction Information [PDF]
Send comments about this page to preservation@michigan.gov.