Letter writer was wrong

Joseph Feller wrote to this paper that I appropriated tax dollars to The Nimitz Group so they could remodel privately owned buildings on Mare Island. He is incorrect.

I have requested funding for repairs and improvements to the historic St. Peter's Chapel, which has the largest collection of Tiffany glass west of the Mississippi and the historic Admiral's Mansion on Mare Island. Both historic properties are maintained by the nonprofit Mare Island Historic Park Foundation. The chapel is owned by the City of Vallejo. While the Nimitz Group technically owns the mansion, they are legally obligated to return it to the City of Vallejo who will ultimately own it and are responsible for any repairs for this property.

Upgrading and restoring these important historic structures is a vital component of revitalizing the economy. The historic nature of the area draws tourists which leads them to patronize our local restaurants and businesses which is why I have requested funding for the non-profit Mare Island Historic Foundation, to complete the renovations. Not one dollar of this funding request would go to a private entity nor is it allowed for members of Congress to request funding for private entities.

My funding request was made at the request of the Mare Island Historic Park Foundation and is supported by the City of Vallejo, Vallejo Chamber of Commerce, Assemblyman Grayson, state Sen. Dodd, Solano County Supervisor Hannigan, the Napa Solano Audubon Society, the Vallejo Architectural Heritage Foundation, Mare Island Dry Docs, LLC, California State University Maritime Academy, National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association, Vallejo Museum, Benicia Museum, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1123, United States Submarine Veterans Mare Island Base, State Historic Preservation Officer, Vallejo-Napa Chinese Club, Navy League, and the Navy Yard Association of Mare Island.

— U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson/

District 5