HUDSON, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- New strides are being made to keep the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse on higher ground. The building was recently designated as one of America's most endangered historic places and has been slowly sinking into the Hudson River.
The historic site has now been approved for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers protection program. Sen. Chuck Schumer said it will open a new stream of federal funding to save the lighthouse.
"It'll unlock the funding the lighthouse has long needed. It will help repair its foundation so it will continue to stand tall and keep the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse shining brighter than a Christmas tree this season," he said.
The Army Corps will now begin to work with Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society to fund the engineering and construction work needed to save the lighthouse and stabilize the structure. A $50,000 feasibility study was conducted, and the project now moves into the next phase.
The lighthouse has been standing in the Hudson for more than 150 years and remains an aid to navigation.
