Congress is sending a second multi-million dollar package to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore to restore its 19th century lighthouses. Mike Simonson reports from Superior.

150 years worth of the wrath of Lake Superior can take its toll on the eight light towers standing as sentinels among the Apostle Islands. Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Planning Chief Jim Nepstad says the towers have needed work for a long time, and with $5 million dollars allocated this summer and now, an additional $2 million passed by Congress last week, their time has come.

"They're exposed to the full brunt of Lake Superior's fury during the fall and winter months. The weather can be pretty hard on them."

Islands historian Bob Mackreth of Washburn says preserving these light stations, some which date back to before the Civil War, preserves the region's history.

"It has often been said that the collection of lighthouses in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore is the finest single collection of lighthouses anywhere in the country. If nothing else the diversity of styles. You have lighthouses made of wood, you have lighthouses made of stone, of brick, of cast iron and steel."

Even as plans are being drawn up for lighthouse restoration, the $7 million awarded this year may not cover half of the total restoration costs.

In 2007, Congress sent $1.3 million to renovate the Raspberry Island Light Station.

In addition to the extra $2 million, Congressman Dave Obey says $150,000 will go towards restoration of the historic Bayfield Courthouse.

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