I am writing to set the record straight concerning the recent guest editorial, "NPS violates public trust with Ft. Hancock lease."

All the steps we have taken to save historic Fort Hancock have been done in full consultation with government attorneys, government contract specialists and business management professionals. Two federal courts and the Department of the Interior Inspector General have examined every detail of the process and declared that no laws have been broken and no policies violated. Isn't it time that we all accepted this fact and moved on?

From the very beginning we have also been completely transparent with the public. Our request for proposals was available as a public document. At public meetings interested citizens gave us their input and we took to heart all that we heard. A lease was signed in 2004 at a public ceremony attended by citizens, invited guests and the media.

Over the years, copies of the lease and any subsequent amendments were given to all newspapers who requested it, and these documents have always been available at the park for anyone who is interested in reading them. Nothing has been done under the cover of darkness. In fact, it is fair to say that in the entire history of the Gateway National Recreation Area, no subject has received more scrutiny than this historic leasing project.

Gateway is part of the National Park System, a collection of 391 parks whose mission is to care for our natural resources, provide recreational opportunities, and to save our important historic treasures. Our efforts to save Fort Hancock are guided by this mission, and we have used all available tools to do that, including the authority given to us by Congress to preserve our historic structures through the leasing process.

I would also like to add that I am very proud of the National Park Service employees who have worked for so many years to save Fort Hancock. Throughout this difficult process they have never wavered in their commitment to reaching the one and only goal that I believe is important to everyone: preserving one of America's most historically significant coastal defense sites. Out of respect for the generations who will follow us all, I hope we are successful and Fort Hancock stands for another century.
Barry T. Sullivan
General Superintendent
Gateway National Recreation
Area