Brady, Fattah Announce $5.6 Million for Independence Park, Clock Tower Repair

By THE OFFICES OF CONGRESSMAN ROBERT BRADY AND CONGRESSMAN CHAKA FATTAH

PHILADELPHIA PA — Congressmen Robert A. Brady and Chaka Fattah (D-PA), who previously partnered on the President’s House commemorative project at Independence National Historical Park, announced today that the Park will receive $5.6 million in stimulus funds to repair the water-damaged Independence Hall clock tower and other park projects.

Work on the tower will include replacing damaged wood siding, structural repair, new clock faces and lightning protection. Other projects under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act announced today by the U.S. Department of Interior for Independence Park include repair of cobblestones in the Rose Garden and purchase of 92 meters to track and manage energy usage.

“This is well-timed and important funding. Coming on the heels of the recent disclosure that the upper levels of the clock tower were seriously deteriorated this ARRA funding couldn’t come at a better moment. It shows that the stimulus dollars are being well and quickly directed.” Congressman Brady said.

Congressman Fattah said, “The clock tower at Independence Hall is the most visible feature of Philadelphia’s historic crown jewel. We can thank the Obama Administration for another win-win stimulus project by putting skilled crafts people to work in our city. We continue the vital work of restoring Independence Park while increasing its relevance for telling America’s story, including the much anticipated Slavery Memorial.”

In 2005, Congressmen Brady and Fattah secured $3.5 million dollars in federal funds for the President’s House project which will tell the story of the executive mansion where George Washington enslaved nine Black men and women just one block north of Independence Hall. A joint initiative of the City of Philadelphia and Independence National Historical Park, the project will commemorate the story of how the quest for freedom for a new nation existed side by side with enslavement. Groundbreaking is set for this spring with dedication and completion on July 4, 2010.

Superintendent Cynthia MacLeod said, “We are thrilled with the news of the immediate availability of $5.6 million for several projects at Independence National Historical Park from the Recovery Act. Our first priority, rehabilitation of the tower on Independence Hall, is now assured to be funded.”

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