Pelosi Announces $25.5 Million to Preserve San Francisco Landmarks

October 31, 2003

Washington, D.C. -- House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi secured $25.5 million for projects important to San Francisco in the 2004 Interior spending bill that was passed yesterday by the U.S. House of Representatives.

“These funds will help preserve San Francisco’s proud history and celebrate our diverse immigrant community,” Pelosi said.

The funded projects include:

• Historic schooner C.A. Thayer -- Pelosi won $4.2 million for the renovation of the historic schooner C.A. Thayer, which is berthed with the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park’s historic fleet at the Hyde Street Pier. One of only two remaining examples of a West Coast sailing lumber schooner, the C.A. Thayer serves as a floating museum for more than 200,000 visitors annually. The schooner is scheduled to go into dry-dock on December 3 because she is deteriorating. Pelosi obtained $4.6 million for the renovation in 2001 and $1 million in 2002.
  
  “Having worked for three years to obtain all the funding needed to renovate the schooner C.A. Thayer, I am delighted to announce that we have now achieved our goal,” Pelosi said. “Renovation of this historic treasure, which has taught thousands of schoolchildren about our seafaring heritage, can finally begin -- and not a moment too soon.”
  
  
• Pacific Coast Immigration Museum -- Pelosi obtained $385,000 to continue developing plans for the Pacific Coast Immigration Museum, an ongoing initiative at the Presidio in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. The museum will tell the story of the Pacific Coast, from aboriginal settlement through the experience of present day immigrants. It will serve as a western “bookend” to the famous Ellis Island Immigration Museum.
  
  “Without a doubt, the Pacific Coast Immigration Museum will one day become a major tourist destination, like Ellis Island,” Pelosi said. “Americans from all walks of life will visit the museum to learn about the daring journeys of their ancestors and the populating of the western United States.”
  
  
• San Francisco Emporium -- Pelosi obtained $200,000 to assist with restoration of the historic dome of the Emporium Building at 835 Market Street. Originally opened in 1896, the grand facade of the building was the only structure on Market Street to survive the 1906 earthquake. Redevelopment of the Emporium Building, which is currently underway, will include retail, entertainment, and office space, as well as a Filipino Cultural Center.
  
  
• Presidio Trust -- Pelosi won $20.7 million for the Presidio, one of San Francisco’s crown jewels. These funds support operations and provide for restoration and maintenance of the Presidio’s historic and natural treasures. These funds will help keep the Presidio on track toward financial self-suffiency in 2013.
  

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