LUDINGTON BADGER GRANT DENIED!

[AQUAMAN]

The Stimulus Bill injection of $$$ to the U.S. Dept. of Transportation amounted to about $600 Million this year. Recently, the City of Ludington applied for a $14Million grant, about 2.5% of the total,  to get the Badger refitted with new non-coal powered propulsion, probably big diesel engines. It just got rejected though, sadly. But, a new reconstructed bridge will be built to Wolverine stadium for about $13Million in Michigan instead, the only Michigan project approved, a much higher priority indeed, right? And in Ann Arbor, another big city really. Still, the Badger's deadline for a cure rests into the end of the 2012 season, yet two years away. So, not to worry just yet. And, the Badger can still come up with other options to off-load the coal ash to trucks or other places legal with contractors on a daily basis while sailing. Bottom line is where did all that "stimulus money go"? Well the biggest grant went to Atlanta, Ga., yup, a very big city, about $48Million for a streetcar system. Streetcars went out of style long ago in history, but, we gotta start a new system? For almost 10% of the total available? Lots of other big cities also got big grant approvals, for too much other silly nonsense too. Is this the CHANGE for Hope a candidate promised voters about 2 years ago? Hate to get back to that old hat subject, but afterall, isn't this a new horizon in Federal Government, something we need and want to better our future in the USA? I just wonder sometimes! How 'bout you? The article I read came from courtesy of The Muskegon Chronicle today, and the LDN didn't wake up till way later on this important local issue of concern.

[Edie Lindsey]

You got to know those people down in Muskegon with their cross-lake ferry, are probably oh-so-smug today. That's why they scooped the LDN on this issue-- they are more interested in this than they are. I guess that Manglitz should have ponied up some more do-re-mi than a measly $2,000,000. Lordy, I just used $2,000,000 and measly together.

[Edie Lindsey]

Found a link to the news, Kipper Skipper.

http://www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2010/10/grant_for_conv...

[masonco]

I haven't read anything else posted, but my immediate thought was how much dd the guys in Muskegon pay them to deny the grant?

[XLFD]

Amen Aquaman. Why is the federal government putting in street car systems in Atlanta? If the USDOT is going to get involved in projects, why doesn't it concentrate exclusively on projects that involve interstate or international travel, like the SS Badger is part of? Likewise, when an arm of the Feds (the EPA) sets a mandate that makes a well-established form of transportation illegal, shouldn't they try to help make it legal? Governmental wisdom apparently says not.

Be that as it may, this denial was likely a blessing for the Badger. It would have lost its historical monicker and a lot of its character in the conversion. The LMC already looks a bit hypocritical thanks to its position on the Lake Express a few years back about it receiving guaranteed loans from the Feds. The City Manager is a bit disappointed, because if it had been accepted they would be adding to your ticket cost by getting their cut from brokering the deal already worked out.

LMC's Manglitz should act more like Charles Conrad, rather than John Shay, and either fight the EPA or look for dump sites.

[AQUAMAN]

Chances are, Mr. Manglitz has already got a legal opinion on this from several specialized attorneys in the field of Federal lawsuits. I doubt anyone could beat the EPA, anymore than the MDEQ. And, since the iron won't be in the fire for at least 2 more years, best to use this time to find an alternate avenue to keep the Badger on course. What was that brokered deal you refer to? Thanks, Edie, for posting that link that my computer refused to pass along. The last time this happened in history over 20 years ago, Sen. Carl Levin stepped in to help Mr. Bowden secure the future of the Badger. Political clout may still be the end-around in a couple of years, time will tell.

[AQUAMAN]

Some of the other big players like LA, Miami, and Providence RI, also got hefty grants approved into the high millions of $$$. These cities throughout history, have been known to vote liberal/democrat consistently, any coincidence here? It would be interesting to know what all the grant monies of $600 Million went for, dollar for dollar, and where.

[charlemagnetism]

atlanta like most urban areas may vote democratic but georgia is a red state. much redder than michigan. the land of gingrich and the conservative southren democrat got the biggest chunk. i bet if we figured this by county or city you would be right.

[XLFD]

Aquaman,
I think there is a benefit to be possibly gained by fighting the EPA, because the LMC lawyers were successful already in getting the deadline pushed back to the end of 2012 instead of last year, saving them three years of special disposing of coal ash. They could even possibly win the battle if they go after a special exemption, or a grandfathering clause, to stay afloat with coal fired engines. Here is a 2009 report courtesy of WTMJ:

For decades, the EPA did not regulate discharges from ships under the Clean Water Act. But several states and environmental groups successfully sued to overturn that policy after ballast water was blamed for introducing invasive species such as zebra mussels and the round goby into the Great Lakes and other U.S. waterways.
EPA declined to exempt coal slurry from its new regulation, but extended its compliance deadline from this spring to 2012 after meeting with representatives of the carferry company.
The Badger's crew mixes coal ash waste with water and dumps the slurry into Lake Michigan during each trip. It's done at least five miles from shore and in a different location each time, partly because the carferry alters its course depending on weather.
"Having ash to deal with is just part of having coal-fired power in any form," said Chuck Cart, the carferry company's chief engineer. "It's been tested. It's inert, benign. Sand is all it really is. It's really not a harmful pollutant."
Joel Brammeier, vice president of policy for the Alliance for the Great Lakes, said even if the discharge is non-toxic it should be regulated.
"The physical changes to the lake bottom can have an impact just like toxic chemicals can," Brammeier said.

Seems like there might be some compromise that may be worked out.

[Willy]

I think they went about this all wrong. LMC should have teamed up not only with local gov. but also with State gov. including Wisconsin. Enough clout could have been exerted to get the grant. I think the Badger is the only coal fired ferry system left in the World and could have been declared a national monument or some such designation which would have given it special consideration and protections.

[charlemagnetism]

problem with that arjee is that if the ferry got the grant they would lose the coalfired adjective when it was turned into a tractor. they still got the time and a new businessman govnor coming up in michigan so im not selling my lmc stock short just yet.

[Willy]

You are correct. I should have seperated my statement into 2 parts. First part to pursue the grant and if that failed then the second part was to pursue protection to remain a historical entity so no grant would be necessary.

[AQUAMAN]

Very intuitive and accurate comments my friends, and RJE hit a nerve when he says get more staunch backing before you go to bat on this grant. It sure could of and should of been a joint effort by Mich. and Wis. as well. The last SS, (steam ship) designated passenger ship on the great lakes deserves better than what came down the plank. Maybe next year it will be a more organized effort, I would hope. Thanks to all that care about our Badger.