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Escambia County Misses Chance To Sink SS United States For A Reef
August 31, 2024
Escambia County has missed out on acquiring the SS United States to sink offshore as an artificial reef.
Okaloosa has signed an agreement to be ratified next week to purchase the historic ship for $9 million.
Escambia County had discussed potentially buying the ship. Escambia County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh said in July that it would take a commitment of $10 million, but Escambia never made an offer.
The Escambia County Marine Advisory Committee is expected to discuss the idea at a Monday afternoon meeting.
The SS United States is 990 feet long, 100 feet longer than the Titanic. It is just over 101 feet wide, and 53,330 tonnes. The draw at the load line was 36 feet-4 inches. The ocean liner was built between 1950 and 1951 for Unite States Lines. It was taken out of service in 1969.
The nonprofit SS United States Conservancy is working to relocate the ship from Philadelphia to comply with a court order.
Earlier this summer, U.S. District Court Senior Judge Anita Brody ruled that the SS United States’ landlord, Penn Warehousing, could not double dockage fees without notice in its effort to force America’s Flagship from Pier 82 in Philadelphia. However, the Court also directed the Conservancy to remove the irreplaceable national symbol from Pier 82 in Philadelphia by September 12, 2024.
Comments
10 Responses to “Escambia County Misses Chance To Sink SS United States For A Reef”
I had suggested to the conservency andthe Baltimore Maritime Commission to try to locate the United States to a berth in the Camden Piers which presently are home to the historic NS Savannah and the WWII troop ship John W. Brown. The Brown still sails once per year. All I’ve heard are crickets, nobody even got back to me with so much as a “no thanks” if that’s the decision. I think it would be a wonderful, historic addition to this destination.
Needs of a few should not override the needs of the many that drives Pine Forest abovec1-10.
Fix the damn road!
@Local
Trust me, Walton and Santa Rosa counties have the money. The influx of people in the last 3 years has swelled their coffers to overflowing. With all the unchecked growth new construction, permits, impact fees they have plenty. IMO
Like the song from “Frozen”, Let it go, let it go. Now, spend those tax dollars wisely on projects that will enhance recreational activities for the majority of residents and visitors.
it would not be for divers alone. recreational fishing would also benefit along with the associated businesses that cater to the outdoor crowd. it would have been well worth it in the long run.
We got Bergosh out at the right time before he kept wasting money..
Well Jeff, now you know why you were voted out. You don’t do anything till it’s too late. Yeah, maybe it was not worth 10 million to do so but sometimes it would be nice if Escambia took a few chances. Even if it did not generate that diving income at least it was beneficial to the marine life. But, now Okaloosa takes the lead, good job.
GOOD .. TOO MUCH TAX MONEY
Aww dang
That’s too good.
I think that’s a lot of money to spend for such a small amount of people to be able to enjoy underwater.