RECEIVES ASSURANCE THAT HIS REQUEST FOR FUNDING WILL BE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED

Washington, May 18, 2006 - "Fort King is the central site for the Second Seminole War between American soldiers and the Seminole leader Osceola and his warriors," stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "During this seven-year war, every major general and every regiment of the U.S. Army was stationed at or passed through the Fort." Stearns took to the House floor today to outline the importance of Fort King and to point out the need for Historic Preservation Fund appropriations for the preservation of Fort King.

Stearns added a provision in legislation to establish a Special Resource Study by the National Park Service on the role of Fort King in the Second Seminole War and to provide for its preservation and interpretation. This was the first step in obtaining National Historic Landmark status for Fort King. "Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton designated Fort King a National Historic Landmark on February 24, 2004, to our great delight," explained Stearns on the House floor. "Then, in November 2005, Fort King entered a Draft Special Resource Study and Environmental Impact Statement public comment period. This continues, and we look forward towards moving Fort King along in the process of preservation."

In addition to trying to obtain funds for the preservation of Fort King, Stearns is working to have the site considered for National Park designation. In response to Stearns, Rep. Charles Taylor (R-NC), Chairman of the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee, stated he would work with Stearns on his request.