The United States General Services Administration announced Wednesday that the Algoma pierhead light house is being made available at no cost to eligible state or local governments, non-profits, historic preservation groups, or community development organizations. The GSA disposes of excess federal real estate in an effort to save tax dollars. The pierhead light in Algoma is no longer considered mission critical for the US Coast Guard. The light was built in 1932 & marks the entrance to the Ahnapee River. The light consists of a 48 foot red steel plate cylindrical tower on a US Army Corps of Engineers breakwater. The City of Algoma released a statement Thursday, that said they were not aware of the issue until receiving a letter Thursday morning. The Algoma City Council will investigate the costs associated with acquiring & maintaining the property before submitting a letter of interest, which is due by July 15th. To date more than 100 lighthouses nationwide have been transferred through the GSA, including the Kewaunee pierhead lighthouse in 2009. For more information or to submit a letter of interest visit www.nps.gov/history/maritime/nhlpa.htm
