Legislation Clears House of Representatives and Moves to President's Desk for Final Approval

(Jupiter, FL) - Congressman Tim Mahoney (FL-16) announced today that the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008 passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 291-117. This omnibus legislation includes the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse Outstanding Natural Area Act of 2007 (JILONA), which grants federal protection to the Jupiter Lighthouse.

"I thank the entire team of supporters and volunteers who continue to work toward protecting the Lighthouse for our children and community," said Congressman Mahoney. "This legislation will not only protect the lighthouse; it will also preserve the unique environment surrounding the structure and will continue to attract visitors to the area, strengthening the economy. We have one more step to go in this process and I look forward to the President's signature on this designation."

Earlier this month, JILONA passed the Senate as part of the Consolidated Natural Resources Act of 2008, which required the legislation to return back to the House of Representatives for approval before heading to the White House.

Congressman Mahoney's bill would designate the Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and the surrounding 126 acres as an "Outstanding Natural Area" (ONA). ONA is a congressional designation that was established to protect federal lands. The designation has been used by the Bureau of Land Management for conservation sites of approximately 100 acres in size that include a lighthouse. Jupiter Inlet would be the second ONA in the nation. The first is at Yaquina Head in Oregon.

The ONA designation would:

· Provide long-term protection to a site of cultural and biological resources in a highly urbanized part of Florida.

· Promote tourism.

· Create an eastern/Atlantic counterpart to Yaquina Head on the Oregon coast.

· Elevate the visibility of the local community and help it compete for environmental grants.

The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse has both environmental and historical significance for Florida, and is located where the Loxahatchee River and the Indian River Lagoon meet. It is the home to endangered species of plants and animals and other natural communities that are quickly vanishing from South Florida.

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