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May 15, 2000 Rodney E. Slater Dear Secretary Slater, Save Our Bridge, Inc. would like to submit this information for your review concerning the Bridge of Lions project currently under consideration for permitting by the Seventh Coast Guard District. At our request, Florida Secretary of State, Katherine Harris agreed to forward this packet through her office. Florida is fortunate to have a secretary that recognizes the importance of this bridge as a significant historical, architectural and cultural icon to our state, as well as the nation. Our organization is a grass roots effort of dedicated volunteers committed to the rehabilitation of the Bridge of Lions located in the heart of St. Augustine, the nations oldest continuously occupied European settlement. The center of the downtown area, in full view of the bay front, is designated as an Historic Landmark Historic District because of its surviving colonial street plan. The small, narrow streets give the city a relaxed pace, which, coupled with its unique history, make St. Augustine a major destination for heritage tourism, the cornerstone of the city's economy. Replacement vs. Rehabilitation of this bridge located in the ancient city has stirred, not only local, but also a great deal of state and national interest. Secretary Harris, has repeatedly urged preservationists statewide to work in unison to save the Bridge of Lions which has impressive historical credentials. Many local communities and organizations have submitted resolutions and letters to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) in support of rehabilitation. The Record, our daily newspaper, joined the overwhelming support and took an official position advocating restoration. As part of a renewed national interest in saving historic treasures, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the National Institute of Architects and the American Society of Industrial Archeologists have all presented resolutions to the FDOT in support of Option 1A. The Bridge of Lions is one of the most photographed structures in St. Augustine. Included in this packet are some printed pieces that illustrate the importance of the bridge as one of the cherished icons of this city. After over a decade of debate, the FDOT publically announced in September that their intent is to rehabilitate the Bridge of Lions. Their department has been going forward with preferred Option 1A into the design phase while working towards completion of the Final Draft Environmental Impact Statement and the Memorandums of Agreement. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and the State Historic Preservation Officer have already indicated they will sign off on rehabilitation. Save Our Bridge, Inc. was granted 'Consulting Party' status for the remainder of this process by the FHWA. We have contracted professional consultants to research engineering, legal and safety issues associated with the National Environmental Policy Act/ Section 106 Review and the Department of Transportation Act Section (4)f Evaluation Procedure (as is required for all structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places). Copies of these documents which are now part of the Federal Record are being forwarded to you by T.J. Tremmel, author of two of the reports. We hope that this information will be helpful in creating for you a sense of the importance of preserving the Bridge of Lions for future generations. Thank you for your time and consideration in this very important matter. Sincerely, cc: Thomas Barry, Jr., Secretary, Florida Department
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