MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Manitowoc’s Mayor is worried the government shutdown could cost them valuable summer tourism dollars.
The S-S Badger may be forced to delay the sailing season, and that could be a big hit for the lake shore’s economy.
Major improvements are currently underway at the Manitowoc Harbor.
“We get reimbursed by the federal government through that grant for a lot of that work,” said Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels.
He’s talking about a $5 million grant from the federal government’s Harbor Assistance Program. It’s funding dock work at both of the car ferry’s stops between Manitowoc and Ludington, Michigan.
Nickels tells FOX 11 $1.3 million of the grant goes to the City of Manitowoc’s repairs and the other $3.7 million to the City of Ludington.
“Our end, with it being $1.3 million, we can float that. Pretty much wait for the government to open and get reimbursed hopefully, but on Ludington’s end it’s a large number and they aren’t able to necessarily float that much money with the government being shut down.”
The City of Ludington notified the government that they may have to stop construction if it doesn’t receive the funding it expected.
Ludington Mayor Steve Miller of Ludington tells FOX 11…..
“Right now, they’re in the removal process of the existing dock and preparation for installation.”
He says he’s already gotten a response about the grant.
“So, the Department of Transportation contacted us to let us know that they will be processing and they see no foreseeable delays.”
As of now repairs are still on track but they have just a few months until the 2019 season, and Nickels says the local economy is depending on it.
“It’s one of our largest impacts for tourism in our summer months because tens of thousands of people come right into our downtown. Our local businesses, our restaurants our convenience stores all will feel that impact if there is any delay.”
Ludington’s mayor says the S-S Badger is just as important to his city’s economy. He’s hopeful the work can be completed for the ferry’s first day on May 10th.
