Save Middle Bay Lighthouse From Removal to Battleship Park!

On October 7, 2015, the Pat Downing,Chairman of the USS Alabama Battleship Commission (USS ABC), appeared at the invitation of Gunter Guy, Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources, before the Alabama Historical Commission (AHC) and advised of the intention of USS ABC to make a formal request to be given Middle Bay Lighthouse (MBL) for removal to Battleship Memorial Park. The AHC Chairman,Jim Day, advised that upon receipt of the written proposal,the matter would be referred to the Historic Sites Committee of the AHC, chaired by Commissioner Craig Sheldon.

Now is the time to advise Governor Bentley, Commissioners Downing,Guy and Day, the commission members of the AHC and USS ABC, and the Mobile & Baldwin County legislators of your opposition to Middle Bay Lighthouse being removed from Mobile Bay where it has stood for 130 years.

History

In 2009, the AHC conducted a year-long analysis of the notion of moving Middle Bay Lighthouse to Battleship Memorial Park. Public meetings were held in Mobile County, Baldwin County, and Montgomery during which comments were heard for and against the proposal submitted earlier in the year by the Alabama lighthouse Association. The AHC sought the advice and counsel of architects and engineers on the structural condition of the lighthouse, restoration costs, and the impacts of storm surge in both locations.

The findings were:

• Middle Bay Lighthouse needed structural repair to the underwater support system and to the cabin structure above water, but that the repairs could reasonably be undertaken and would provide a reasonable life extension to the structure in its historic location.
• Middle Bay Lighthouse would be safer in its historic location during a hurricane's storm surge than in the proposed location at Battleship Memorial Park. Remember, the USS Alabama was severely damaged by storm surge during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The storm surge caused an 8 degree list and a shifting froni her permanent anchorage. The aircraft pavilion was severely damaged and 3 historic aircraft destroyed. Repair costs exceeded $4M. Needed restoration work to the USS Alabama and USS Drum continues to await funding.

• Middle Bay Lighthouse is a continuing aid to navigation for captains bringing ships into Mobile Bay. Mobile Bar Pilots Association once again argued that MBL was an important aid to navigation -just as they did in 1967 when the lighthouse was in danger of being destroyed by the Coast Guard.
• Middle Bay Lighthouse is a unique (FREE) tourist attraction for cruisers & sailors moving daily through Mobile Bay, and visitors using the various marine tour operations working on Mobile and Baldwin County. At Battleship Memorial Park it becomes just another structure in a park that is actually focused on mid-to-late 20th century military history.
• Middle Bay Lighthouse is a landmark for residents of Mobile and Baldwin counties. Removing the lighthouse from its historic place in Mobile Bay destroys its landmark status for residents.

Facts:

Middle Bay Lighthouse has stood in the same location since 1885. (130 years and dozens of hurricanes )

Middle Bay Lighthouse's screwpile foundation has received an extensive restoration and has been certified sound. Sacrificial anodes were installed on the metal underwater structure to strengthen and protect the structure from the wave action of the bay. This lengthens the life of the structural repairs considerably. The above water structure has new windows, doors, roof, and paint. The paint system employed in the renovation does not peel or flake. This protects the bay and marine life as well as providing a superior coating for the wood structure. The railings need replacement; however, this is not a structural issue of top importance.

The AHC has invested @ $370,000 into restoration and stabilization of MBL since 2009. A fund dedicated to MBL restoration may be set up at the AHC. Estimated annual funds needed - $30K.

The AHC staffmembers are uniquely qualified to oversee the continued preservation of MBL.

Other:

Battleship Memorial Park has extensive funding needs for its existing facilities and collection. The National Historic Landmark, USS Drum has holes and is in immediate need of restoration. The USS Alabama, also a National Historic Landmark, has extensive restoration needs that have gone unfunded.

Myth not Fact:

The location proposed would not be readily visible to drivers on Interstate 10 as proponents claim.

Middle Bay Lighthouse would not be seen by more visitors. Visitors would have to pay to go into Battleship Memorial Park as well as pay a fee to the park to visit the lighthouse.

Proponents like to use as an argument that all of the other lighthouses have been moved on shore and so therefore Alabama is behind.In fact, Alabama is a leader in saying "NO" to the moving of history for convenience. The land,sea, and structural conditions at each site are unique. There is no expressed concern at the present time that the foundation is at risk.