A RESOLUTION OF THE SOCIETY FOR INDUSTRIAL ARCHEOLOGY EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR ALTERNATIVE 1A FROM THE FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION’S FEBRUARY 1997 PRELIMINARY ENGINEERING REPORT FOR THE RESTORATION OF THE BRIDGE OF LIONS OVER THE MATANZAS RIVER IN ST. AUGUSTINE, FLORIDA.

WHEREAS, the existing Bridge of Lions in the City of St. Augustine was built in 1927, designed by the architectural and engineering firm of J.E. Greiner Co. of Baltimore, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; and

WHEREAS, the Bridge of Lions is was listed as a Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1976; and

WHEREAS, The National American Institute of Architects, resolved to support full restoration of the Bridge of Lions in 1999; and

WHEREAS, the Bridge of Lions has been listed on the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s 1997 America’s Eleven Most Endangered Places; and

WHEREAS, the Mediterranean Revival Style bridge is the critical visual entry to St. Augustine, our nation’s oldest city, and is integral and complimentary to the National Landmark of the St. Augustine Colonial Town Plan; and

WHEREAS, St. Augustine’s tourist based economy is dependent on the authenticity, quality and preservation of its historical and cultural landmarks; and

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE SOCIETY FOR INDUSTIAL ARCHEOLOGY THE FOLLOWING:

SECTION 1: The Society for Industrial Archeology expresses its support for Alternative 1A from the Florida Department of Transportation’s February 1997 Preliminary Engineering Report of the Bridge of Lions over the Matanzas River in St. Augustine, Florida. This alternative involves major restoration of all bridge spans and pier foundations while maintaining the existing bascule piers and spans. Further, it is recommended that the restoration include the replacement of the railings and light fixtures to restore the Bridge of Lions to its original 1927 apperance.

SECTION 2: The Society for Industrial Archeology supports efforts to save the Bridge of Lions in historic St. Augustine, Florida and does hearby direct its Secretary to forward copies of this Resolution to the Save Our Bridge Committee and the Florida Department of Tansportation, P.O. Box 1089, Lake City, Florida 32056-1089.

PASSED AND ADOPTED this 5th day of June, 1999.

Sandra L. Norman, President

Society for Industrial Archeology

ATTEST:

SECRETARY