USS Saratoga Museum Foundation, Inc.
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RUSSIAN SUB
Saratoga Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2001

Contact: Frank Lennon (USS Saratoga Museum Foundation, Inc.)
      (401) 831-8696

SARATOGA MUSEUM PROJECT GETS $25,000 GRANT FROM HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

North Kingstown delegation presents check at State House

The USS Saratoga Museum Foundation, Inc.'s plans to establish a non-profit museum and family attraction at Quonset Point received a major boost today with the award of a $25,000 legislative grant from the Rhode Island House of Representatives.

House Majority Whip Suzanne Henseler (District 44) and her fellow members of the North Kingstown delegation, Representative Ken Carter (District 46) and Representative Melvoid Benson (District 45) made the check presentation this afternoon to Foundation directors Frank Lennon and Bill Sheridan.

"On behalf of the entire House of Representatives, we are pleased to present you with this check for $25,000," said Representative Henseler. "We hope this grant will help speed your efforts to bring Saratoga across the Bay and establish her as a museum and memorial in North Kingstown," she concluded.

Lennon expressed his gratitude on behalf of the 65,000 sailors, marines and air crew who served aboard this Saratoga between 1956 and 1994, and for all those who served previously on the World War II carrier of the same name.

The Foundation has worked for the past year and a half to meet a number of conditions set by the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation. The final step is to raise approximately $2.5 million to qualify for a $5 million investment banking commitment.

"This contribution sends an important message to other potential donors and sponsors who might have been waiting for tangible participation from the State of Rhode Island," Lennon said. "This is as tangible as it gets."

Representative Benson concurred, saying: "We look forward to the increased tourism this project will bring to South County. At the same time, the combination of the Saratoga, the Quonset Air Museum and the proposed Seabee Museum will properly honor the military heritage and tradition of the area. This attraction will serve as a constant reminder to the youth of today and the youth of tomorrow of the sacrifices of those who have gone before."

Representative Carter summed up the presentation with the words, "It's a great day for Sara!"

Photo ID: L-R Bill Sheridan, Rep. Ken Carter, House Majority Whip Sue Henseler, Frank Lennon, Rep. Melvoid Benson



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