Funds rain in for tower repair
Thursday, April 23rd, 2009
By: Susan Phillips
sphillips@whyy.org
Officials in Philadelphia say $5 million dollars in federal stimulus money will be used to repair the leaky roof of the tower of Independence Hall. The grant is part of $750 million dollars in economic stimulus funds meant to restore and repair national parks while at the same time, save or create at least 20,000 jobs.
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Rain and snow have taken their toll on Independence Hall's tower, which was built back in 1828.
Charles Tonetti is the chief historical architect of the national park. Tonetti says the stimulus money means the restoration will happen sooner, and put people to work.
Tonetti: The tower project will be a very large project and it will involve masons, carpenters, painters so it will be a very large project.
Tonetti says the money will also be used to replace and renovate an 18th century cobblestone walkway, and install new utility meters to monitor energy use in park buildings.
Federal officials say the Earth Day announcement is meant to illustrate the Obama administration's commitment to restore and protect America's most special places.