Washington – Hooper Island Lighthouse was auctioned last month for $192,000.
The Hooper Island Lighthouse’s new owner, whose identity remains private until final documentation is signed within 45 days of the sale date, will be required to maintain the lighthouse as an active aid to navigation for the U.S. Coast Guard, preserve it in line with historic standards and sign a memorandum of agreement with the Navy that designates when it can be accessed, said Will Powell, a spokesman for the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA).
Since 2000 — the year the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act took effect — the GSA has transferred about 148 lighthouses. That’s 82 no-cost transfers to public entities, such as nonprofit organizations, and 66 through public sales that have brought in more than $8 million. All proceeds, beyond the cost of sale, are returned to federal agencies and the Treasury.
Three lighthouses in the Florida Keys were auctioned earlier this year and “had very eager bidders,” with the final prices ranging from $415,000 to $860,000
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