On the recordNovember 4, 2011
I thank my colleague for offering the amendment, and I rise in support of it. Mr. Chair, this amendment recognizes the unique and special character of historic ships and would keep in place the current EPA vessel discharge program for historic ferries. I am particularly interested in this because the SS Badger, which operates on Lake Michigan between Ludington, Michigan, and Manitowoc, Wisconsin, in my Congressional district, is believed to be the last coal fired vessel in regular commercial service. This 50-year-old ship is an important part of our history, culture and tradition. It is currently on the National Register of Historic Places and has been nominated as a National History Landmark as an important part of our heritage. The economic impact on Manitowoc, a small city of only 34,000 people, is $14 million a year, and the Badger is responsible for providing about 250 jobs on both sides of the lake. It attracts about 100,000 visitors to our cities each year. Under this amendment, historic ferries would continue to operate under the parameters of the current general vessel permit. The Badger management has spent significant resources over the last few years trying to find a way to convert the vessel to a more modern propulsion system. But it is a difficult, complicated, and costly task.…
