Venezuela to return island to the U.S. (updated)

Update:

Apparently Gov. Corazine skipped appearing at the handover ceremony due to fears over being labeled as a "socialist." (Link via FP Passport).

Original Post:

The Venezuelan government will give back an island near Philadelphia that had been used as an oil storage facility.

Petty's Island – a 300-acre island in the Delaware River- will be transferred from Citgo to the government of New Jersey for use as a wildlife sanctuary. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced the move at last week’s Summit of the Americas as a gesture in favor of environmental conservation.

In a news release issued on Wednesday, New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine welcomed Citgo’s decision:

"Earth Day is a fitting time to consummate the donation of this special place," Corzine said in the news release. "Petty's Island has become an important home to bald eagles, kestrels and a wide variety of waterfowl. We are opening a new chapter in the island's long history by restoring it and giving it back to nature and the people of New Jersey."

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection must certify that Citgo's cleanup of the island has met state standards before the title can be transferred, the news release said.

According to Corazine, Citgo pledged to create a $2 million fund for the Natural Lands Trust to manage the island which is home to endangered black-crowned night herons and a pair of bald eagles.

Image- New York Times (2005 photo of Petty's Island is with the Philadelphia skyline in the background).
Online Sources- FOX News, CNN, BBC News