Cambridge, MD -- At the end of the legislative session, Maryland lawmakers approved a $230,000 local bond bill for the Choptank River Lighthouse. The funds will go toward the construction of the "cottage," or top half of the replica lighthouse, which is part of Phase 3 of the project. Lighthouse organizers credited Senator Richard Colburn and Delegate Rudolph Cane, who sponsored the legislation.
Private sector support continues to grow for the lighthouse project. Most recently, the Nathan Foundation donated $5,000 to the efforts. The Choptank River Lighthouse Society already has sufficient funds in hand to construct the platform. So far, nearly $550,000 has been donated, pledged, or provided through grants -- which is very close to the estimated $600,000 needed to construct the lighthouse and establish a maintenance fund.
"I can't overstate how excited the Lighthouse Society Board is that we have come this far," said George Wright, President of the Choptank River Lighthouse Society. "This lighthouse will be a real shot in the arm for Cambridge and Dorchester County and something we can all take pride in. Thank you to all who have helped make this dream come into view."
The society is still looking for volunteers with construction experience to help build the cottage portion of the lighthouse and help the project stay within budget.
The lighthouse is expected to encourage economic development in Cambridge and Dorchester County. The U.S. Lighthouse Society estimates that the lighthouse could draw 20,000-30,000 visitors a year.
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