MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ) – The partial government shutdown could affect when the S.S Badger starts sailing.
Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels says the city has put a halt on work being done to its dock because federal grant funding for the project is not being processed during the shutdown.
Manitowoc and the City of Ludington received a $5 million dollar grant last year for the project.
The city of Manitowoc’s portion was $1.3 million with a local match of $279,000. The city also received $2.9 million grant from the state of Wisconsin through the Harbor Assistance Program.
The city of Manitowoc plans to fund the costs so work can be completed in time, hoping the federeal government will reimburse the city when it opens again. The city of Ludington cannot afford to carry the costs of the project during the shutdown.
The S.S. Badger travels across Lake Michigan between Manitowoc and Ludington. The carferry has a major economic impact to the city of Manitowoc.
