State Capitol, Albany, New York, March 3, 2006 -- State Senator Owen H. Johnson (4th Senate District, Babylon), Chairman of the Finance Committee was on hand for the formal signing of the agreement with the US Coast Guard to privatize the rotating beacon atop the Fire Island Lighthouse. The beacon, which was previously operated and maintained by the US Coast Guard, will now be cared for by the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society. Volunteers will now maintain and repair the light to ensure that it continues to be an active aid to navigation for Mariners.

"The Preservation Society is the reason we still have the historic Fire Island Lighthouse here to enjoy," said Senator Johnson. "Now the society has again stepped up to ensure that the 21-mile historic sweep of beacon light continues to shine."