National historic lighthouse - opportunity for license

NATIONAL HISTORIC LIGHTHOUSE OUTGRANT

NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY

Cabo Rojo Lighthouse

Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico

November 8, 2021

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

UNITED STATES COAST GUARD

Pursuant to the 1996 Programmatic Memorandum of Agreement Outgranting of Historic Lighthouse Properties among the United States Coast Guard, Department of Transportation, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and the National Conference of State Historic Preservation Officers, this light station is being made available for use under a no cost revocable license to eligible entities defined as federal agencies, state and local agencies, non-profit corporations, educational agencies, or community development organizations, for preservation and public access purposes.  The Cabo Rojo Lighthouse has been identified as eligible for a license following the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act guidelines and the National Historic Preservation Act.

The Cabo Rojo Lighthouse (hereinafter referred to as “Cabo Rojo”) a/k/a Faro Los Morrillos de Cabo Rojo, constructed in 1882, is a historic lighthouse located in the municipality of Cabo Rojo, Puerto Rico, 33921.  It is located on the Southwestern tip of the island of Puerto Rico.  Latitude 17.9337° N, Longitude 67.1922° W.

Any eligible entity with an interest in entering into a license for the described light station for a use consistent with the purposes stated above should submit a letter of interest to the address listed below within 60 days from the date of this Notice.  The letters of interest should include the following information: 

Project Description: The United States Coast Guard (CG) is proposing to issue a twenty (20) year license with one ten (10) year renewal option. 

Agreement to a qualified applicant. The License  term is twenty (20) years with one ten (10) year renewal option. The new Licensee must have comprehensive general liability insurance coverage limits as depicted in the agreement.

The new license agreement will require the Licensee to perform the following functions:

• consult with State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) regarding planned maintenance activities
• comply with all environmental laws and regulations,
• obtain all permits or authorizations for activities on the property, and,
• obtain written permission from the Coast Guard prior to undertaking any improvements.  Said notice shall be in writing and delivered to the US Coast Guard point of contact at least 90 days prior to commencement.  No commencement shall occur until the US Coast Guard has provided written consent hereto. 

The Licensee shall not interfere with the active aid to navigation (ATON) or associated equipment, if applicable, and shall demonstrate financial and technical ability for the term of the approved use.

In keeping with the historical character of the property, the Licensee shall provide an outline of proposed opportunities for public access to maintain historic knowledge and enhanced use.  This schedule will promote public access to the lighthouse while maintaining the integrity and historic value of the same.  Any public access that goes against the spirit and historical nature of the lighthouse will not be approved.

The following information will be required with each Outgrant submittal mailed or hand-delivered to the United States Coast Guard, Civil Engineering Unit Miami at the following location:

U.S. Coast Guard

Civil Engineering Unit Miami

Planning and Real Property Division

ATTN:  Commander, CEU Miami

15608 S.W. 117th Avenue

Miami, Florida 33177-1630

The Letter of Interest shall include the following information:

1. The name and description of the organization;
2. Proof of non-profit status, if applicable;
3. Proposed use of light station;
4. Type and level of public involvement in proposed preservation effort and subsequent use, including public access plan;
5. Statement of current financial capability, with supporting documentation;
6. Statement of commitment to preserve the historic lighthouse and documentation of all experience related to the rehabilitation and maintenance of a historic property; and,
7. Name, title, address, email, and phone number of contact person. 

The submittal of applications will be accepted for 30 days from the date of this notification.  The applicants will be selected based on the following criteria and the appropriate SHPO will be afforded the opportunity to participate in the preliminary selection process for 30 days.

I)  The candidate must demonstrate financial and technical ability to rehabilitate, maintain and preserve the historic lighthouse for the Outgrant term and renewal periods.

(2) The proposed use must be consistent with the historic value of the lighthouse and complement the architectural and character of the historic property.

(3) The proposed use should afford opportunity for public involvement, access, participation, education and enjoyment.

(4) A proposed rehabilitation and maintenance plan (milestones and timetable) to include proposed structural and/or interior alterations.

(5) The impact of proposed use and construction on existing infrastructure and known environmental and archeological resources.

(6) A financial plan submittal for the restoration and maintenance of the historic lighthouse, and,

(7) SHPO comments on proposed rehabilitation and maintenance plan.

In consultation with the Puerto Rico State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO), the US Coast Guard will select a candidate or candidates, who will be requested to submit a more detailed plan for the restoration, maintenance, and operation of the light station.  The selected candidates will be granted access to the light station, when possible, for a period of 120 days in order to develop a management plan in consultation with the SHPO.  Building inspectors and/or contractors may accompany the applicant on visits to the light station.  The management plan will be due at the end of the 120- day period.  The US Coast Guard will review submissions and may select an eligible entity to receive the license for the light station.  A final selection will be made based on a review of the documentation and whether the applicant meets the selection criteria. The selected applicants will be notified and provided an additional 120 days to submit additional documentation, if necessary.  This documentation must be done in consult with the State Historic Preservation Officer.

If no submissions meet the criteria established by the Programmatic Agreement, no license will be granted. 

Send letters of interest via US Mail or hand-delivered to: 

Commanding Officer

United States Coast Guard

Civil Engineering Unit, Miami

Planning and Real Property Division

15608 S.W. 117th Avenue

Miami, Florida 33177-1630

Tel: 305-278-6764

RE: CABO ROJO LIGHTHOUSE, PR

Respectfully submitted by:

Jacqueline Mezquita, Real Property Specialist

Planning and Real Property Division

United State Coast Guard

Civil Engineering Unit, Miami

By direction of the Commanding Officer