Houston,TX -Congressman Gene Green (TX-29) released the following statement concerning the $1.5 million that Congressman Green, with the support of Congressman John Culberson and Congressman Ted Poe, secured for the restoration of Battleship TEXAS.

 

“The Battleship TEXAS is a state landmark and the only remaining battleship that served in World War I and II.  There is precedent for federal funding, since in 1986, then Congressman Jack Brooks secured $5 million for this cause.  The federal government will not bear the largest burden for this project, as the State of Texas is providing over $16 million in state money.  This project has bi-partisan support from my Houston and Baytown area Republican colleagues, John Culberson and Ted Poe.
 
“The Battleship Foundation has plans to permanently dry-dock TEXAS, rather than repairing it and returning it to the water, which will provide a permanent home for TEXAS and will eliminate future costs of this magnitude.  Without the permanent dry-dock, the Battleship TEXAS Foundation will be forced to find money to repair and restore the battleship every 15-20 years. 
 
“The Battleship is a historic and educational landmark, which should be preserved for future generations to share and honor the memory of the veterans who sacrificed for our freedom.  Nowhere else in the world can people go see a battleship that served our country in defeating both the Central Powers and the Axis Powers, in World Wars I and II, respectively and participated in the historic invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944.

 

“The Battleship TEXAS has served not only in World War I and II, but it has also served in educating generations of Texans.  It serves as a reminder of the very freedom that it helped protect and insure.  As our young men and women protect our nation today, we should not forget their fathers and grandfathers who also served our county in previous wars.  I invite everyone to view the last standing warship that served in both Great Wars.

 

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