Is the 150-year-old lighthouse worth saving from the Hudson River's grasp?

In the United States, federal engineers are taking steps to preserve the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse, a historic structure that has stood for 150 years. Recently, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer announced that $50,000 would be allocated to study methods for protecting this landmark, which is in danger of erosion and potential collapse into the Hudson River. This announcement follows concerns raised by a historic preservation group and the lighthouse's recent inclusion on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's list of the country’s 11 most endangered historic places. The Hudson-Athens Lighthouse, operational since 1874, was originally built to guide boats away from mudflats that pose a navigational hazard between Athens and Hudson. It has stood at a critical point in the river for over a century but now faces significant structural degradation due to environmental factors. The lighthouse is secured by a foundation of 200 wood pilings, which have begun to be exposed as river turbulence created by passing commercial vessels erodes the mud that supports them. The situation is dire, and without intervention, the lighthouse risks crumbling into the river in the coming years. Senator Schumer emphasized the cultural significance of the lighthouse, likening its importance to that of the Statue of Liberty. He expressed optimism regarding the funding, stating that it represents a crucial step toward securing additional funds necessary for the conservation efforts. The new funding will allow federal engineers to meet with the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society to devise a plan to stabilize and protect the landmark from further erosion and decline. The preservation society, which owns and operates the lighthouse as a museum, has proposed several initiatives to safeguard the building. These include enhancing its foundation and constructing a protective barrier to prevent further water damage. The potential project aims not only to secure the structure but also to enhance its accessibility for visitors, allowing for more significant community engagement with this historical site. Efforts to preserve such landmarks are crucial, especially as the number of surviving lighthouses in the United States has dwindled over the years, from approximately 1,500 at the beginning of the 20th century to about 800 today.