[12/8/04]Congress has appropriated $700,000 to make repairs to Pemberton House, located in downtown Vicksburg on Crawford Street and recently acquired to become part of the Vicksburg National Military Park.

The building was the headquarters of Confederate Gen. John C. Pemberton, who led the forces that defended Vicksburg during the Civil War.

Park officials don’t yet know precisely which of the five requests they made to Congress have been approved, said park historian Terry Winschel.

“We’re still waiting to see what the language says,” Winschel said. “It’s an add-on (to an appropriations bill.)”

Park officials should know in a few weeks and then the preconstruction process can begin, he said.

The park addition has been cited as a big boost to tourism in downtown Vicksburg since it could lure more of the numerous park visitors to another area of the city.

The park already generates about $100 million in local revenue, Winschel said.

“I think the long-term benefits will be staggering,” Winschel said.