For Immediate Release:

Thursday, June 21, 2007

(Washington, D.C.) – Today U.S. Senator Patty Murray announced that she has included $850,000 in funding for the Vancouver National Historic Reserve Visitor Center. Senator Murray included the funding in the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies (Interior) Appropriations bill – the annual spending bill that funds environment and natural resource project priorities. Senator Murray is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The City of Vancouver, working with the National Park Service and the Vancouver National Historic Trust, is in the design phase that will renovate the Fort Vancouver National Historic Site Visitor Center into the Visitor Center for the Historic Reserve.  This project will double the existing visitor capacity at the center, which was built in the late 1960's.  The Historic Reserve is one of the most historically significant sites in the Pacific Northwest, and had over 800,000 visitors in 2006.

"This funding will be a big next step in the development of a world class visitor center at the Vancouver National Historic Reserve," Murray said.  "This site is a unique attraction for Washington state, and having a premier visitor center will help attract even more people to this historical treasure."

Royce Pollard, Mayor of Vancouver applauded Murray's efforts, “We are very pleased that Senator Murray has secured funding for the Vancouver National Historic Reserve Visitor Center.  This funding will help construct a world class visitor center that will showcase Fort Vancouver’s important role in our state and nation’s history and help interpret the entire 362 acre national historic reserve.  Senator Murray’s leadership and support of this important project continues us on the path in the development of the premier historic site in the Western United States.”

Senator Murray has been a strong supporter of the Vancouver National Historic Reserve, and for the renovation of the visitor center.  Since 1998 she has helped secure over $8 million for projects site-wide.  Additionally, she has secured $5 million for the Vancouver Pedestrian Bridge that connects the Reserve with the waterfront by spanning SR-14.

The Interior Appropriations bill passed out of the Senate Appropriations Committee today.  It will now be scheduled for debate by the full Senate.