Aquinnah Select Board Taps Infrastructure Funds to Complete Lighthouse Restoration Financing

AQUINNAH — August 13, 2024 — Aquinnah Select Board plugs a $65,000 gap in the Gay Head Lighthouse restoration budget by tapping infrastructure committee reserves. The board voted unanimously at its August 13 meeting to redirect the remaining balance of a $250,000 infrastructure appropriation — already partially spent on Town Hall improvements — to cover the shortfall in a $1.5 million restoration project, with a $200,000 Massachusetts tourism grant expected to partially reimburse the fund once construction is complete. Presenter Jim Pikman said wind farm commitments, Community Preservation Act funding, and the lighthouse gift fund had raised more than $1 million toward the project, which is set to begin in mid-September when International Chimney Corporation will dismantle and lower the entire lantern room housing. The board also unanimously raised grant administrator Jazelle Gothier's monthly stipend from $1,500 to $2,000, and approved allowing dogs at Philbin Beach before 9 a.m. and after 6 p.m. from Memorial Day through mid-October.