Days after a judge temporarily the deadline suspended to allow the SS United States to depart from its port in South Philadelphia, a Florida county says it has the money to purchase the historic ship.
During a meeting in Okaloosa County, Florida, on Tuesday, September 24, the Tourist Development Council voted unanimously to award $10.1 million to move the SS US from its current home at Pier 82 to a location off the coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico.
The plans involve sinking the ship and creating what local authorities say is the world’s largest artificial reef.
According to the province, the $10 million would be used to move the ship, address any environmental hazards on board and build a land-based museum for the SS US.
A vote to finalize the deal is expected next week.
A court-imposed deadline of September was set for to get the ship off the pier in Philadelphiabut a judge suspended that deadline while productive negotiations were underway over the relocation of the historic 1950s ship.
Officials representing the ship said any moves must take place after hurricane season, which normally lasts from late November to early December.
Joe Holden
