San Gabriel Mission to Benefit from Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representative Adam Schiff announced today that legislation he co-sponsored to preserve California’s 21 historic missions - including the San Gabriel Mission - passed the House of Representatives. The legislation would authorize $10 million for the restoration effort in a Department of the Interior grants program to be administered over five years. This funding would supplement a statewide private campaign, as well as State funding, to ensure the future of the missions.
"California's missions are national treasures and we must make it a top priority to protect them," Rep. Schiff said today. "Many of these missions, such as the San Gabriel Mission, contain significant archaeological artifacts important to preserving California's unique history. I am pleased that this legislation passed the House of Representatives unanimously and I will continue to support legislative efforts to protect California's Spanish colonial missions."
The California missions are the most visited historic attractions in the state, drawing over 5.5 million tourists a year. They account for a sizeable contribution to the state economy from millions of tourists, including a large number of international visitors.
The missions also play an integral role in educating fourth grade school children under the State’s history curricula, which includes the missions in the study of western history. This serves an important education function in teaching young students about the role of the missions in the history of our nation.
Rep. Schiff represents California’s 29th Congressional District, including the communities of Alhambra, Altadena, Burbank, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.