Funds got to stop Light Station rot

The Mukilteo Lighthouse is beaming a little brighter this week following news that state funding has been approved for needed repairs.

Snohomish County Treasurer Brian Sullivan notified Mukilteo city officials Saturday that the Washington State Legislature approved $200,000 in funding for repairs at the Mukilteo Light Station.

The approval came in the wake of efforts by Sullivan and state representatives to fund the repairs. Sullivan had raised the alarm after visiting the light station recently and spotting several areas of wood rot, peeling paint and other signs of deterioration. He sent a letter to the mayor and City Council asking about the lighthouse’s condition and long-term maintenance strategy.

“As you know, the Mukilteo Lighthouse, residential and outbuildings are among our community’s most important historic and cultural assets,” Sullivan wrote. “The long-term preservation of physical structures is of great public interest.”

City officials in turn sought his help to find funding from the state. (See the story in the March 6 issue of the Beacon.)

Sullivan traveled to Olympia during the recent short legislative session to seek state capital funding for the project.

He also helped position the project to potentially receive between $50,000 and $100,000 from Snohomish County’s preservation fund later this year, with the goal of assembling $250,000 to $300,000 in combined funding. City officials said they needed about $240,000 for exterior repairs.

Here is Sullivan’s letter to the City announcing the successful effort in Olympia:

Dear Mayor and Members of the Mukilteo City Council,
I am pleased to share the good news that the Washington State Legislature has approved $200,000 in capital budget funding to support repairs to the historic Mukilteo Lighthouse facilities. This investment will help address the significant wood rot and preservation needs affecting the residential structures at the Light Station and ensure the long-term stewardship of one of our region's most cherished historic landmarks.
I sincerely thank the Mayor and the City Council for your critical support and partnership in advocating for this project. Your commitment to preserving the Mukilteo Light Station played an important role in securing this funding.
As the project moves forward, I encourage the City to continue working closely with the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation (DAHP) to ensure the repairs meet state preservation standards and maintain the historic integrity of the site.
Also, if any of you meet or contact our 21st District Legislators, Rep. Lillian Ortiz-Self, Rep. Strom Peterson, and Senator Liias, offer them a big thank you.  
The Mukilteo Lighthouse is an important public asset that reflects our community's identity and maritime heritage, and this funding represents an important step toward protecting it for future generations.
https://fiscal.wa.gov/statebudgets/CapitalCountyMap
Thank you again for your leadership and partnership.
With Every Best Intention,
Brian J. Sullivan