Office of the Secretary

For Immediate Release: April 6, 2001

Contact: Mark Pfeifle (202) 208-6416

Interior Secretary Norton Announces Funding to Fix
San Francisco's Historic C.A. Thayer Schooner

"I'm happy to report - on behalf of President Bush - help is on the way," says Norton

(SAN FRANCISCO) - Interior Secretary Gale Norton today announced a $9.3 million investment in San Francisco's historic C.A. Thayer Schooner. The 106-year-old wooden-hull vessel, kept afloat by bilge pumps working 24 hours a day, will be repaired as part of President Bush's commitment to eliminate the $4.9 billion maintenance backlog plaguing our National Parks.

"For too long, this historic landmark has been in danger," said Norton at a news conference at the west end of San Francisco's Fisherman Wharf. "Today, I'm happy to report - on behalf of President George W. Bush - help is on the way."

"The C.A. Thayer is a vital, living cultural experience. But today, it's one of the 11 Most Endangered Historic Places in all of America. More than 100 years ago, the Thayer was essential to this region's progress. It sailed the Pacific Coast, delivering lumber and other supplies to pioneers settling the West. She helped build our homes, our businesses and our schools. She helped launch America's prosperity," said Norton.

For more than eight years, the Thayer has been a maintenance priority. Thayer suffers massive deterioration. The schooner's wooden hulls are rotting, and her iron fastenings are decaying.

"President Bush has committed to eliminating the maintenance backlog in America's National Parks and Historic areas. We're investing $4.9 billion over the next five years to restore our heritage and repair America's greatest landmarks."

Nearly 220,000 visitors explore the Thayer every year, including 12,000 school children who use the vessel as an overnight interactive classroom.

"The President's budget funds America's priorities, provides the largest debt reduction in history and gives fair and responsible tax relief for every family. This is a common sense plan to move America forward. To protect Medicare and Social Security for our parents and grandparents, to help support America's schools - and leave no child behind, and to ensure that our country's special places and cultural achievements - like the C.A. Thayer - will be here for future generations to learn from and enjoy," concluded Norton.

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