Time runs out as water seeps in
Authority gets lots of support, no money to save warships
By Allyson Bird
In the wake of its executive director's abrupt resignation, the Patriots Point Development Authority is scrambling to find funding as the clock ticks on the multimillion-dollar repairs that its aging fleet of warships require.
"The financial structure of the Patriots Point Development Authority does not work," said Chairman John Hagerty. "It was never structured to maintain the ships, which have a 25-year useful life. That has run out."
The Post and Courier
The destroyer Laffey needs major work on its hull or it could sink within a year.
The Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum was opened by the state in 1975, and the agency that runs it is responsible for sustaining itself financially.
Officials two months ago unveiled a $64 million master plan to repair the four deteriorating warships and redevelop the prime waterfront site to keep the Mount Pleasant visitor attraction thriving — but no plan for how to get the money it needs to pay for it all.
The authority relies heavily on ticket sales for operating revenue. But attendance peaked in the 2002 fiscal year at nearly 297,000 paid admissions and has slumped nearly every year since, dropping to 218,000 customers in fiscal 2007, according to the authority.
The numbers rebounded last year, though, reaching more than 229,000 paid admissions.
A state-funded audit from September noted the fiscal 2008 increase and said "the authority's overall financial position is sound, and the authority is well-positioned to maintain its financial stability with resources being closely guarded in order to maintain the ability to react to changing economic times."
Then came the events of the current fiscal year, which began July 1 and has encompassed not only the entire recession but also a major new financial challenge for Patriots Point — its aging fleet of warships.
Previous stories
Patriots Point needs $64.4M to help keep vessels, museum afloat, published 02/21/09
Funds for Patriots Point repair survey get OK, published 02/25/09
Director Tant calling it quits, published 04/21/09
With only three months left in fiscal 2009, paid attendance totals fewer than 145,000 so far this year. When Patriots Point laid off 11 employees, reduced part-time hours and required unpaid time off for its remaining 70 full-time workers, it cited the attendance decline and emergency repairs for one ship in particular.
The destroyer Laffey, which in World War II gained the nickname "The Ship that Would Not Die," for surviving heavy damage, recently received a grim prognosis: It'll sink within a year if not removed from the water for major work on its hull. That doctoring could require upwards of $8 million. And the museum's other ships — the aircraft carrier Yorktown, the cutter Ingham and the submarine Clamagore — need extensive repairs.
"I think if we, the state, allow the Laffey to sink, it would be a slap in the face of every veteran," Hagerty said. "The game plan is to continue what we've been doing, which is to press our case with politicians — local, state and federal — and to be transparent as an organization, so the public will know what our situation is, and the public will influence politicians to make a decision."
Before resigning Sunday after less than a year as Patriots Point executive director, Hugh Tant III appealed to lawmakers in Columbia and Washington, D.C. He received interest and support, even a $20 million federal funding request from U.S. Rep. Henry Brown, but no firm financial commitments.
In the meantime, Hagerty said, the authority's options include seeking authorization to issue bonds or obtaining a loan through the state treasurer's office.
Rep. James Smith, D-Columbia, said he hopes to make the bonding option a reality by the end of this legislative session. As for the loan, Deputy State Treasurer Scott Malyerck said Patriots Point representatives asked for about $12 million but that his office cannot yet offer them a reply.
Despite the urgent need for money, Hagerty worries about taking on debt.
"Here's what makes me nervous," Hagerty said. "What if we had the opportunity to borrow some money short-term? We'd have to figure out how to spend that money and then how to pay it back."
Another big worry, he said, is that if the Laffey sinks, the salvage could cost more than the repairs.
"It could be a significant environmental hazard," he said. "We are very worried about what could happen to the waters."
In its current condition, the Laffey might not survive if a hurricane or tropical storm churns up Charleston Harbor, Hagerty was told by a staff member.
The person whose task it is to lead Patriots Point from here is interim Executive Director Dick Trammell, who said he will begin his job with staff briefings on the agency's priorities and its budget. Trammell, a finalist for the executive director position when Tant was selected last May, previously headed the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Patriots Point, by state mandate, will seek candidates for Tant's permanent replacement. Trammell, who most recently was the maritime museum's marketing director, said he's not yet sure whether he plans to apply again.
"My focus right now is on this interim position and getting everything we need to get done before this session of the Legislature ends," he said.
Asked how long Patriots Point knew about the dire situation with the Laffey and the growing concern with its other ships, Trammell said the U.S. Navy conducts an annual survey on the fleet, though that inspection only looks inside the vessels. He said the extent of the Laffey's damage only became apparent when water rushed into the hull in December.
Trammell said he recognizes that the task ahead means simultaneously formulating a plan and gathering resources.
"We have support from the delegations in Columbia and Washington and the administration of the governor, but we have not received any checks," he said. "Not only are we in need of checks, but we're in need of answers about how we can save the ships."
Reach Allyson Bird at 937-5594 or abird@postandcourier.com.
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CedarPosts (anonymous) says...
There is some great history at Patroits Point and it would be a shame to lose any of it.
But the big picture is pretty clear. The Yorktown doesn't attract the same market as say the carrier Intrepid in New York.
750,000 visitors each year vs the Yorktown's 200,000 and then consider the 19 vs 16 dollar price for an adult ticket, a little math and you get the idea.
If Charleston wants to have a first class naval museum, then it is clearly going to take state, local and national funding to get the project afloat. Something that considering our overall taxpayer burden is not going to be easy to obtain.
More at http://lifefloatingby.blogspot.com
April 23, 2009 at 2:36 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
Your not gonna get any money using veterans.
Like the line used that said "I think if we, the state, allow the Laffey to sink, it would be a slap in the face of every veteran," is gonna work.
You got to say something like the children will starve or have no means for a suitable education, if we are not funded it will put children in the street...yada yada yada...Thats the way it's done sir around here. You should have got Mayor Joe and Whip boy Clyburn to show you how to properly beg for money. Good luck with that.
April 23, 2009 at 6:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Sparky (anonymous) says...
They have known for 25 years that this would happen. Steel ships parked in mud and salt water. No preventative maintenance. Great leadership. Now if don't spend tens of millions we are not patriotic.
April 23, 2009 at 6:21 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jhota (anonymous) says...
over 50 percent more tourists visit New York City each year than visit the entire state of SC (47 million vs. 30 million). Intrepid has a much larger local community to draw on as well. so i don't think a direct comparison of attendance is particularly helpful. it's doubtful that Yorktown could ever draw the kind of attendance Intrepid does - not that the facilities could handle it.
that said, you're absolutely correct about the funding issues.
April 23, 2009 at 6:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CedarPosts (anonymous) says...
The truth is most of the stuff out there was free, but the upkeep is staggering. Just ask anyone who buys a wood boat or an old steel hulled Chris Craft Roamer.
April 23, 2009 at 6:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
Most young people today do not appreciate history or the veterans who make their lives possible today. History to them was last week. You know once your loved ones alive today that know you well are gone, few will ever visit your gravesite. Sadly, I think the same will happen with these things.
April 23, 2009 at 7:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eatmorecollards (anonymous) says...
It seems to me those things have become a couple of giant holes in the water we are just throwing money in. Not to mention a eyesore to boot. Time to salvage them and start over with something a little more sensible there.
April 23, 2009 at 7:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
hatpete5 (anonymous) says...
Why have these problems not been addressed in the past? When I was in the navy we had PMS that had to be done year round. To let these problems go for so long is a tragedy and should be an embarassment to the people in charge of Patriots Point.
April 23, 2009 at 7:45 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
Not only inadequate PMS but also fiscal irresponsibility in setting aside a few bucks every year to pay for things like this when the time comes is the real problem. So, do we bail them out as we seem to do with everything else or let them reap the consequences of their actions. Past practice indicates that the powers that be will find a way to bail them out. I haven't yet seen any government federal, state, or local change.
April 23, 2009 at 8:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Southern_Cousin (anonymous) says...
Why does no one comment that the repairs are going to cost $8 million dollars? For some welding? For a new bilge pump? That is crazy.
Who is doing these estimates? What if you go back to the drawing board, look at some other solutions, maybe a small vendor who could do the work just as well as a Navy contractor.
There is absolutely no reason repairs should cost $8 million dollars - unless you plan to have the thing gold -plated while you're at it.
I started to go to this park this summer, but the admission price put me off - way off. As a child ( a Navy brat, btw) my family toured lots of retired ships - for free.
April 23, 2009 at 8:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonian (anonymous) says...
Why not swap out the Laffey with a newer retired destroyer that are sitting around waiting to be scrapped. The Laffey then can go to scrap, it has served it's country and served as a memorial for many years, it's time is now come. That swap ought to cost less then $8 million.
April 23, 2009 at 8:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
ln1959 (anonymous) says...
charlestonian, you're absolutely correct. There are ships being decommission every year that can replace this old piece of metal. It would coast much less to replace it then to give these greedy contractors outrages money.
April 23, 2009 at 9:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
beentook2 (anonymous) says...
Someone needs to grow up. Bring over a fleet of tug boats, hook up all the ships(all of them),tow them out to sea and sink them. Nice fishing reef. Then sell the land. At the same time, cross the river, take that rust bucket out of its salt bath and put it back where it came from. Time for ya'll to be a big boy. If you can't afford your toys, quit whining and get rid of them.
April 23, 2009 at 9:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammanofdi (anonymous) says...
My girlfriend has PMS year-round too, hatpete...
April 23, 2009 at 10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
wjhamilton3 (anonymous) says...
The Laffey is allegedly being pumped out around the clock now. The keel and bottom are so corroded large areas have no solid metal to weld to. The ship was repaired during WWII in a hurry, after a lot of damage. The goal of that work was to get it back into the war if necessary, not to prepare it to last forever.
My math may not be perfect, but it looks like it would take over 15 years at 200 thousand visitors per year to earn back the cost to do 64 million dollars in repairs, assuming they get $20 in income per visit for tickets, gift shop, and simulator rides without having to pay any overhead to operate the place. I suspect that if we calculate interest and factor in overhead, Patriot's Point can never pay back these costs.
The question then becomes how much is the attraction worth to the area's economy in terms of hotel stays, meals and tourism revenue?
I'm a big fan of history, but we have a lot of places which aren't getting any funding at all. You can't keep everything, everywhere forever. You don't see Roman Triremes, Viking Ships and Galleons floating in every harbor in Europe. Not every Mayan complex in the Jungle has been cleared and is open to the public. We can't keep every plantation open for tours and keep every battlefield mowed.
April 23, 2009 at 10:43 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
MyView (anonymous) says...
When is the last time that you took some time to honor those that have given and served to protect your rights, which include the freedom of speech to post here?
Do you continue to talk when the National Anthem is played, do you remove your cap? Do you realize that you owe those same veterans for your option to be disrespectful. Yep that's right the same ones who served on those bucket of rust.The point is to remind Americans that freedom is most certainly not free.
As far as replacing the Laffey, you can't because of it's significance. If you took the time to know anything about the history of the ships out there and why the Laffey is important you would have a better understanding. Take a moment to visit their website and educate yourself. You might even be motviated enough to get off your couch go there and talk with a veteran. Many of them voluntee there. Don't forget to say "thank you" to them for their service.
April 23, 2009 at 11:01 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
theronce (anonymous) says...
I can walk with you on this one, wjh.
April 23, 2009 at 11:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mkris (anonymous) says...
The reality is that the retired military refuse to pay for education but want a memorial to themselves. When it comes to paying for thier memorial to thier "glory days" they want everyone else to pay.
In most places its called hypocracy
April 23, 2009 at 11:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonian (anonymous) says...
Yes, the Laffey has history, but all things must come to an end at some point. That ship has served us well long past it was designed to last. I would bet there are ships bobbing up and down in Norfolk with as much history that are waiting to be scrapped that are in much better shape..
April 23, 2009 at 11:18 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rollnwflo (anonymous) says...
I hate to say it, but $8 million is probably a low figure for the repairs necessary on all of the vessels. I would think there would be some issues as to whether or not they can be safely moved, and a large dry dock would be needed for the carrier. This would be a major undertaking even for the Navy, and the expertise needed for this task is not your run of the mill welding.
April 23, 2009 at 11:46 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
devilsadvocate77 (anonymous) says...
Like the soldiers of World War II, time has a way of catching up on ships as well. Eight million dollars is a lot of money to spend on ships that have served their country for this long. Spend the money on the Yorktown because that will never, ever be able to be moved. Use some funds to tow the other ships out to sea and make them a memorial reef so aquatic life can live on in its memory.
April 23, 2009 at 12:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
wjhamilton & devilsadvo: I agree wholeheartedly.
I'm a veteran so I can definitely understand and appreciate the significance of those once mighty ships.
I do hold them in reverance however it would be a far greater disgrace to let them sink due to neglect or use arlready stretched thin dollars to ATTEMPT to preserve them than to take them out to sea and give them a 'burial' befitting war heroes.
Becoming an artificial reef that gives life to the creatures of the sea is an admirable memorial.
April 23, 2009 at 12:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jackb11 (anonymous) says...
Would it be cheaper to take the sub out of the water repair it and place it on a permanent cradle so that it is no longer exposed to the mud and salt water? Would this be feasible for the USS Laffey?
April 23, 2009 at 12:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
crankyyankee (anonymous) says...
South Carolina Aquarium, CSO, Spoleto, Black Expo, CARTA, Patriots Point, Footlight Players/Dock Street, Wildlife Expo, Public School System anyone see a trend?
April 23, 2009 at 1:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
mkris stay on course. No one will make a memorial for your spelling and bitterness, nor will they care.
What does the alleged retired folks not paying for their education have to do with this?
Duh-huh
April 23, 2009 at 1:59 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mkris (anonymous) says...
The same retired military clammoring for money to save thier "glory days" memorials are the first ones protesting taking money to save the SC schools. Tough, tow them out to sea, sink 'em and let the reefs develop. That should be clear, even to Gator bait.
April 23, 2009 at 2:38 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CWL922 (anonymous) says...
If they replaced the USS Laffey with another ship the museum may see more visitors because of the "new" ship there. The Laffey has served us well but we must move on. A newer ship may bring the younger Navy crowd to see the replacement. They will probably bring wives/husbands and kids so the museum will make a bigger profit. I understand times are hard right now but in the long run it may work.
April 23, 2009 at 2:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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