Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi

$50 Million Included in Interior Funding for the Presidio Trust

June 18, 1998

Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, today announced $50 million included in the Interior Appropriations Bill for the Presidio Trust. The funding comes in two pieces: $25 million for operations and maintenance and authority to borrow up to $25 million from the U.S. Treasury in FY99 to rehabilitate and prepare facilities for leasing. "This funding recognizes the Presidio as a national treasure, supports it in the coming year and brings it one step closer to self-sufficiency," Pelosi said.

The bill also includes:

• Language urging the National Park Service to consider its restoration of the C.A. Thayer -- a 19th Century wooden sailing vessel at the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park -- a priority;
• $139 million, Land and Water Conservation Fund, an issue of interest and concern to local and national conservation groups.

The Subcommittee did not include any money for the National Endowment for the Arts. "It is a sad commentary when the richest nation on earth threatens to eliminate an endowment that makes such a great contribution to our country's vitality," Pelosi said. "I challenge the GOP leadership to stop playing politics with an agency that has the overwhelming support of the American people."