U.S. Rep. Lynn Woolsey released the following statement, as the transfer of Skaggs Island to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officially took effect today. 

Rep. Woolsey’s amendment, passed in 2008 as part of a defense authorization bill, gave the Navy and the Interior Department access to $8 million in state funds for building demolition and environmental remediation at the former communications base, thus facilitating the transfer. 

An event on Skaggs Island recognizing the transfer will be held this spring.

“Today marks the culmination of nearly 20 years of hard work by a lot of people. 

“The Skaggs Island Navy Facility, which played an integral role in our national defense beginning in World War II, now becomes part of the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge.  This land helped protect the country for half a century; now the country will protect it.

“This transfer has been a top priority of mine from the moment I came to Congress in 1993.  I am so grateful for the partnership of so many people who helped us get to this day.  I look forward to a full restoration of these wetlands.  I’m proud that Skaggs Island, so rich in endangered wildlife and other natural treasures, will have the safeguards it deserves.”