Mare Island Denied Entry To National Park System
VALLEJO (CBS / AP) -- The National Park Service has rejected a request to include the former Navy shipyard at Mare Island in its system of parks.
Will Shafroth, an official with the Interior Department, said in a March 11 letter to Democratic Rep. George Miller that the site is historically significant. But Shafroth said the park service cannot take on the costs of restoration and environmental cleanup.
Local officials have sought the national park designation for several years. They say it could have helped with Mare Island's long-term preservation, helped drive tourism and provided management oversight.
Miller said that while the conclusion is disappointing, he does not believe it represents the end of the island's chances to work with the park service.
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