House Resources Committee Passes Brigadier General Francis Marion Memorial Act

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Emily Lawrimore
202-225-2452 (W)
202-468-3258 (C)

June 21, 2006

House Resources Committee Passes

Brigadier General Francis Marion Memorial Act

Today, Congressman Joe Wilson (SC-02) made the following statement after the House Resources Committee passed the “Brigadier General Francis Marion Memorial Act” (H.R. 5057).

“We are now one step closer to seeing Brigadier General Francis Marion’s statue grace the grounds of Marion Park in Washington, D.C. I appreciate Chairman Pombo’s assistance with this important project and am hopeful the entire House of Representatives will soon pass this bill.” said Wilson.

The Brigadier General Francis Marion Memorial Act authorizes the Marion Park Project, a committee of the Palmetto Conservation Foundation to establish a commemorative work on federal land in the District of Columbia to honor Brigadier General Francis Marion. All members of the South Carolina delegation have signed on as cosponsors of this legislation.

From Start to Finish: Honoring Brigadier General Francis Marion:

Site Selection: After Congress passes H.R. 5057, the National Park Service and National Capitol Memorial Advisory Committee will conduct a study to determine the best location for the statue. After their study is complete, they will announce a primary and secondary site. Congressman Wilson is working to ensure that Marion Park (located at the intersection of E Street and South Carolina Avenue) is the primary site. The National Park Service will submit a final report to the National Capitol Planning Commission and the State Historic Preservation Office for approval.

Monument Design: The Marion Park Project will select a designer for the statue and choose a design concept. The National Park Service will approve the design and submit it to the National Capitol Planning Commission and Commission of Fine Arts to make necessary modifications and approve the final design.

Fundraising: After the Marion Park Project completes its fundraising efforts, it will submit the approved drawings and specifications with cost estimates for project creation and construction and evidence of funds existing to the National Park Service. The Secretary of Interior will grant the final approval of the statue.

Installation: The National Park Service will issue a construction permit on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior. The Marion Park Project will begin construction and maintenance of the Memorial. After the Memorial is dedicated, it will be transferred to the National Park Service for management with maintenance and preservation plans.

###