Patriots Point needs $64.4M to help keep vessels, museum afloat
By Robert Behre
USS Yorktown
COMMISSIONED: 1943
NEEDS: Hull repairs below the waterline; new paint job; electrical upgrades; flight deck repairs; coffer dam.
PRICE TAG: $34 million
USS Clamagore
COMMISSIONED: 1945
NEEDS: Permanent seals on its sea openings, possible relocation to a new display site on land.
PRICE TAG: $5 million
USCGC Ingham
COMMISSIONED: 1936
NEEDS: The oldest Patriots Point ship is the one in the best shape. Still, she needs a thorough survey and repair package..
PRICE TAG: $2.7 million
The WWII-era destroyer Laffey.
USS Laffey
COMMISSIONED: 1944
NEEDS: Extensive hull work in dry dock to stop increasing seepage and leaks.
PRICE TAG: $7.7 million
MOUNT PLEASANT — The four warships forming the heart of the Patriot's Point Naval & Maritime Museum were designed to last about 30 years — if they weren't sunk in combat first.
They not only survived their wars but have lived twice as long as ever envisioned.
But today, the lap of Lowcountry tides and its salty air pose as significant a threat as the enemy once did, and museum officials are seeking about $64.4 million for overdue repairs and other improvements that would ensure the ships survive and the attraction thrives. Some of the money would clear the way for a new hotel and convention complex on the water, near where the gift shop now stands.
The biggest draw, the aircraft carrier Yorktown, sits in 26 feet of mud and has as much as 18 feet of water in some of its lower decks, and it's in good shape compared to the destroyer Laffey.
The destroyer's hull is rotting away, having sprung leaks at least five times in recent months. The submarine Clamagore and cutter Ingham also need millions of dollars of work. Even the concrete pier leading to the ships, built when the Yorktown arrived here in 1975, needs replacing.
John Hagerty, chairman of Patriot Point Development Authority, said the board feels a duty to get the word out about the long-range problems and opportunities.
"These numbers are large. We need to get help to decide how exactly to go about accomplishing our mission," he said Friday. "To be quite frank, there may be some very hard decisions ahead as far as what can be done and what can't be done."
Patriots Point officials face a key hurdle Tuesday, as they seek permission from the S.C. Budget and Control Board to spend $456,000 on repair surveys and design work and $482,000 more to replace the concrete pier.
The authority wants to begin those studies now even though it's unsure exactly where it will find the $64 million to complete the work.
Retired Brig. Gen. Hugh Tant, Patriot Point's executive director, said the authority has an $8 million budget with no power to borrow and little other financial wiggle room. It plans to seek donations from the private sector, including the defense companies that built the ships, as well as from veteran's groups.
And it will turn its eye to the federal government in hopes of getting some grants or other help, such as a slice of the new $787 billion stimulus bill.
"We do have shovel-ready projects. We can stop the bleeding. We can put people back to work. We can save these ships," Tant said.
The Intrepid, a retired aircraft carrier that has been made into a museum in New York Harbor, recently underwent a $110 million repair job, $40 million of which came from the federal government.
While most of the $64 million will go to maintain the ships, the request also includes about $10 million for a new 20,000 square foot building that would include museum space, an eating area and an expanded gift shop.
The existing gift shop and ticket office would be razed, and its land — plus the land of the nearby parking lot — could be marketed for redevelopment as a 400-room hotel and conference center, Tant said. A new parking area would be built further inland for $3 million.
Patriots Point is interested in pursuing that redevelopment —and new development on several smaller waterfront parcels nearby — but the ship maintenance won't be paid for with proceeds from those deals, Hagerty said.
He said Patriots Point officials already have met with several state lawmakers, U.S. Reps. Henry Brown and Jim Clyburn and U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham and have received some encouraging words.
Brown's office said Friday he is encouraged that the leadership is coming up with an action plan to address the ships' maintenance and to improve the attraction's appeal.
"As Patriots Point is greatly in need of these funds, local, state and federal partners must come together with private-sector supporters and South Carolina citizens to ensure that the museum continues to play its important role of educating visitors about the sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform for years to come," his press secretary Katie McKinney said in a statement.
Clyburn said Friday he supports the project and is pleased to work with Brown to seek funding, which could come as an earmark.
State Rep. James Smith, D-Columbia, said he also has introduced a bill that would give Patriots Point the authority to issue bonds, saying it "is the only enterprise agency of state government that does not have bonding authority. This is correcting an oversight."
The board was reorganized in the early 1990s, following a failed $21 million hotel and marina development that left the state with a $5 million debt.
Its meetings are less turbulent these days, but it's still unclear how the S.C. Budget and Control Board will react next week. Gov. Mark Sanford's office still is reviewing several items on its agenda, Sanford spokesman Joel Sawyer said.
The speed with which the authority can begin those studies —and begin repairs —could determine if each ship survives to show future generations what their grandfathers and great-grandfathers did.
That's particularly true with the Laffey, which Tant hopes to tow away for repairs as early as May.
"The real cost is greater than money," he said. "We could lose the ability to touch and feel history. I don't know how you put a price on that."
Reach Robert Behre at 937-5771 or at rbehre@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
NativeSon (anonymous) says...
If they get tax payor dollars, they need to be far mor civil to veterans!
No veteran should have to pay to get in.
February 21, 2009 at 6:39 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
jammer (anonymous) says...
take some good pictures and then sink them... lol
we shouldn't be wasting millions upon millions on old ships, they are old... let them die with dignity like the many that manned them
if we all tried to keep every old thing we'd run out of money to maintain them and space to put them... more un-natural natural reefs in the near future
February 21, 2009 at 8:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
cu2sday (anonymous) says...
Here it comes! Everybody and their brother will now be looking for money.
February 21, 2009 at 8:20 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
geekboy (anonymous) says...
I'd rather my tax dollars be spent on this than to pay some someone else's mortgage for them.
February 21, 2009 at 8:29 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zekemire (anonymous) says...
NO EARMARKS!!! If it is to be done, put it up for a vote! WE NEED TO STOP EARMARKS NOW!!!!!
February 21, 2009 at 8:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SCVeteran (anonymous) says...
Respectfully, I have to say that I think the money would be better served somewhere else. Veterans themselves could use a chunk of the requested funds. I agree that history needs to be preserved and I think the whole idea of Patriots Point is a noble idea...I just cant see putting money into a sinkin ship, so to speak.
February 21, 2009 at 8:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blackwoman (anonymous) says...
Since one third of homeless are veterans why not turn it into a place where veterans can live?
February 21, 2009 at 8:47 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
urvoucher (anonymous) says...
If they would have planned for this years ago and had a account set up for money for the upkeep then they would not be in the sad shape they are in now. POOR PLANNING ON YOUR PART DOES NOT MEAN AN EMERGENCY ON MY PART. Thank you and God Bless America.
February 21, 2009 at 8:54 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dawhetsell (anonymous) says...
I was in the Navy in 1961 -1970 . I was on ships built in 1943 and they were repaired and were kept up until new ones were built. Then they were cut up as scrap metal and sold when the government replaced them. I was assign(plank owner) to a new ship that was still being built. The ship was the USS Bainbridge DLG(N)25, it was the first nuclar powered frigate built and was commissioned in 1962. The ship has been but out of commission and probley sunk because of the radioativity of the reactor vessel.
The point is you can not take something that is rotting away and spend taxpayers moneny for SCRAP METAL that is way past its time. The part about a hotel and conference center is stupid in these bad economic times. The $64.4 million needs to be spent on developing factories in South Carolina. This stupid idea of shovel ready make work short time work projects will not work. Foolishly spending money that will not help this country ,but instead printing money backed by NOTHING will destroy this country worse than if we lost a war.
February 21, 2009 at 8:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
30yrveteran (anonymous) says...
I had the priviledge to serve my country for over 30 years and don't expect a "free ride" the rest of my life! I believe it's my duty to continue to protect and preserve these National Historic Landmarks for future generations so no one will ever forget the sacrifices our military personnel made and continue to make to keep our country free!
February 21, 2009 at 8:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Hwebster (anonymous) says...
I and a few other Retired Vets visit each other and have coffee every few months on the Yorktown. Seems, we don't tire of seeing it and it's Medal of Honor Museum. We pay to enter with a small veteran's discount.
I hope something can be worked out simular to U505 in Chicago.
February 21, 2009 at 9:10 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
LOL.....LOL !!!
Imagine that 64 Million question..??
Heck...how much did the SHIP cost to build...originally ??
BUT.....there is no price on FREEDOM !!!
February 21, 2009 at 10:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
buzzinlikealdrin (anonymous) says...
I've got a car that is really old and needs some work. My car means a lot to me. Can I get a piece of the earmark to fix my car?
February 21, 2009 at 11:02 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
NativeSon (anonymous) says...
With as much money that BO dumped on the ACORNs' covert operation to get him ellected by any means possible (meaning nearly 400 mil in stimulus money) we could have repaired these vessels and had enough money set aside to prevent any further needs for decades to come.
But we tax payors have paid for BO's NO EARMARK lies already. So now you know what the next 4 years will be like. More lies, deception, underhanded tactics and misleading/confusing actions.
Congratulations ~ you now have a socialist country. You do not believe me? Check out Bill Maher, sometimes.
February 21, 2009 at 11:38 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
There have been many great ships in history and as long as they served their mission, they were maintained, but when that mission ended, almost all, were sent to the breakers/scrap yard.
Patriots Point took some old worn out ships and thought that it would make a great exhibit, without any thought as to "maintenance". Now church is out and it is time to do all that deferred maintenance and I dought that there are any funds available, anywhere, to pay for it.
February 21, 2009 at 12:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
edwardh1 (anonymous) says...
When one of the hulls fails in a big way , it will be time to act and they will want State or Chas county money
February 21, 2009 at 12:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Neponset (anonymous) says...
edwardh1
Maybe an ear mark will save them.
February 21, 2009 at 12:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blah_blah_blah (anonymous) says...
wow! you guys will whine about any and everything! boo hoo, babies.
February 21, 2009 at 12:29 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CharlestonAP (anonymous) says...
This won't fly.
How much Revenue does the ship bring in to give back to the city each year? Who in charleston really cares about the yorktown? I think we'll all take our money instead of putting it into an old, lousy, metal, marsh sunk ship.
This is f'in retarded. PP needs to close! It is HORRIBLE for our state and economy...look at the numbers u ignorant f'ers
These guys are used to writing their buddies, taking their millions, and going on their way.
People will go to jail soon if this continues.
February 21, 2009 at 1:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
angryinjun (anonymous) says...
Wow, Zoomie. Did you ever consider that the people that lived, fought, and DIED on these ships might have contributed to your ability to SNARKILY comment on these ships? The Laffey alone should be testament to that. The fact that the original Yorktown was sunk, protecting your ancestor's freedom is additional testament. Maybe you should look up what these ships did before you comment.
By the way, how much power do those "plasmatrons" put out? For that matter, are you Joseph, Peter, or Stephen, as listed on the website? I'm not going away; I'll keep asking these questions.
February 21, 2009 at 1:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CharlestonAP (anonymous) says...
I can read about these ships and what they did.
How about our roads, our 17% decrease in education spending....its ridiculous.
I was raised here, went to the yorktown twice, and wasted my time. My dad is retired from the military. He doesn't care about it. Who does!?!? Just the people that want to waste time to go there, and the people in it, wanting more monney...and they will want more in a few years....give it up!
The whole place within 20 miles of Patriots Point has sooo much more Charleston and South Carolina history than anyone could imagine! Please dont spend 100,000, 1 million dollars, 10 Millions or even 64 Million to repair a dead beat piece of scrap and the scums involved....
Not kidding....if they get this money...watch....the money will be tracked and traced BIG time...notice everyone going to jail? People will be on that on Aid of 64 million and track every penny. If it comes down to it, at least they'll go to jail if they steal/waste all of our money! How stupid have we become?
February 21, 2009 at 1:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
navywrslr (anonymous) says...
I am really disappointed by most of the comments here,but I guess its to be expected.
To the veteran who wants FREE admission,sorry,why not become one of the Volunteers at the Point,I am sure your experience would be greatly appreciated by the visitors,and you get free admission.
February 21, 2009 at 2:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Missing_Home (anonymous) says...
I think patriots point is a valuable resource for all Americans.
I think maybe now might not be the best time to repair the ships, but sooner or later we should.
Reading about something and touching,walking on, smelling, and seeing it for your self are two entirely different things. How many young people have visited this site and have been inspired to join the service?
I personaly feel a great sense of pride when visiting Patriots Point, I think of all the men that served thier country with honor on bard these ships, some dying so we can have this conversation in English. I think about the wives and children these young men were willing to leave for you and I.
I say preserving their ships are the least we can do.
February 21, 2009 at 2:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blah_blah_blah (anonymous) says...
Missing_Home, EXACTLY!!
All you Chicken Littles that think we should shed everything that costs money because we are in an economic downturn are wrong! If we dump these ships, and then when the recession is over, and people start coming back, we'll have nothing for them to come back to. Stop overeacting, and stop bitching!
February 21, 2009 at 3:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
blah_blah_blah (anonymous) says...
Missing_Home, EXACTLY!!
All you Chicken Littles that think we should shed everything that costs money because we are in an economic downturn are wrong! If we dump these ships, and then when the recession is over, and people start coming back, we'll have nothing for them to come back to. Stop overeacting, and stop bitching!
February 21, 2009 at 3:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mkris (anonymous) says...
I think the retired navy should contribute half of their pensions to maintaining the rusting hulks to thier glory days./
February 21, 2009 at 3:15 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eatmorecollards (anonymous) says...
Those ships are dead. They should be buried. Take the artifacts off and put them in a museum. Invite the Navy to send in real live ships to Patriots Point so the public can see them up close and know what the Navy is about. I'm sure a good R&R port would be appreciated for ships returning from the gulf.
February 21, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
foxfire (anonymous) says...
Sell the worst one and take the money and repair yht others
February 21, 2009 at 3:35 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
foxfire (anonymous) says...
Sorry hit the wrong key (Should be The others.)
February 21, 2009 at 3:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
angryinjun (anonymous) says...
Hey Zoomru; do you plan to comment? Or should we put you in the "troll" category?
February 21, 2009 at 4 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
seneca264 (anonymous) says...
Some of you dopes might be interested to know that the gallant destroyer U.S.S. Laffey suffered 103 casualties: 32 dead and 71 wounded during WWII. I don't think the stupid people of Charleston deserve to have these great ships moored in our harbor.
February 21, 2009 at 6:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
zoomru (anonymous) says...
Sorry...."Happy" injun.....
I had a "Stimulus" bowel movement !!!
Then I had to get some things done on the Honey "Dew" list ...before "Folly Gra" today !!
Angry...its great to see someone admit their MAD !! ..and yes I do know how valuable these ships are. Just imagine the taxpayers who worked to mine, design, and build these ships, taxpayers who's children served and died on these ships, taxpayers who's taxes have supported Patriots Point for years to honor the memories and educate OUR children and future generations. It just seems ODD to be 64 Million in the HOLE up to this point. Has upkeep NOT been budgeted up til now?? Maybe they only need 21 Million and ASKED for 64 Million to have negotiating "Room"?? Maybe there are other "future" upgrades to support OUR recent war veterans that is not being reported in the report. ??
....I share your anger...
February 21, 2009 at 6:31 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
navywrslr (anonymous) says...
I really like mkris's remark, he sounds like one of the many people who have never served or would serve to protect this country but would not miss out on the benifits,just as long as he doesnt have to make any sacrifice. You sir are a true IDIOT.
February 22, 2009 at 3:42 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mkris (anonymous) says...
Navywrslr,
Are you going to contruibute 50% of your pension to protect your "glory days" memorial? Didn't think so. Military intelligence.
February 22, 2009 at 10:50 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
UrGatorbait (anonymous) says...
mkris is part of the generation that is going to save us....after they get what they want. What hate. I guess mkris believes we should pay for people that made poor choices and bail them out instead? or "give" the city of Charleston $1 billion under the control of one person?
To the person that thinks they are entitled to free admission, why? You served, I served, we should pay like everyone else. Sorry but some military folks and spouses have a large sense of entitlement chip on their shoulder. Some believe they did more than they actually did. Some spouse wear their spouses rank. You know who you are and those of us that paid attention know it also. We owe the country thanks for letting us serve. The thank you we get from our nation on Veteran's Day and Memorial Day is enough thanks for this combat vet.
I fulfilled my end of the contract for 20+ years and enjoy the retirement and benefits that go with them. The gubmint is holding up their end so far.
Patriot's Point is a nice museum but I think they could pair it down some. I've lived here 13 years and have visited about 6 times with family and friends. I helped when the traveling wall was there. Keep the carrier but the rest you can sell. It needs to be kept as a reminder of the sacrifice of citizens that get tossed into conflicts started by old men with failed visions.
February 22, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
navywrslr (anonymous) says...
To Mkris, My Glory Days?, I think not,Patriots Point is to honor ALL MILITARY who served,and it was not for our GLORY. I ask you Sir to go up to a WW2 vet,a Korean War Vet or a Viet Nam Vet and ask them about Glory. Non of who served did it for that,we did it because it was necessary. Have you done anything useful in life that has been for the good of the country,or just for yourself. Again,I say I have never met a TRUE IDIOT until reading your postings.
February 23, 2009 at 5:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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