Laffey gets $9.2 million loan
By Allyson Bird
The State Budget and Control Board approved a $9.2 million loan to Patriots Point Monday morning for the attraction to spend on emergency repairs to its deteriorating warship Laffey.
The destroyer, named "The Ship that Would Not Die" for surviving a kamikaze onslaught during World War II, must be moved to dry dock within the coming months or risk sinking.
State Treasurer Converse Chellis, who recently traveled to Mount Pleasant to tour the Laffey, said Monday's vote means the ship can begin its repair process, as hoped, by an August high tide.
"This was a victory for the men and women who were a part of the Greatest Generation," Chellis said in a statement. "It was a vote to help preserve an important piece of our country's history, but it was also a very fiscally smart vote for our state."
The loan must be repaid with a year and a half. Patriots Point officials hope that $20 million in federal funding requested by U.S. Rep. Henry Brown, R-S.C., will come through next year. They promised to use that money toward the debt.
Three of the five Budget and Control Board members voted to approve the loan, while Gov. Mark Sanford and Comptroller General Richard Eckstrom did not vote.
Given the economic situation, Eckstrom said, "I wonder, though, about the wisdom of this."
Read more in tomorrow's editions of The Post and Courier.
Reach Allyson Bird at 937-5594 or abird@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
Numba10 (anonymous) says...
Dont worry be happy---the fed will just borrow more under the current admins policy
June 29, 2009 at 12:51 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Numba10 (anonymous) says...
I am happy this icon of American resolve and wartime spirit is being saved.
June 29, 2009 at 12:52 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Numba10 (anonymous) says...
If you want to tlk about a hole in the water--FT Sumter
June 29, 2009 at 1:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Numba10 (anonymous) says...
Ft sumter was the same at one point---money made it work---and the national park service could be said to drain money from health care, national defense, wic and headstart---you see when you argue just money it can spin both ways---what is your real issue---is it you are anti anything militarily oriented---or is it you have no valid reason that ya just like to be negative and complain with no constuctive purpose
June 29, 2009 at 1:24 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Numba10 (anonymous) says...
as a taxpayer I see the reverse
June 29, 2009 at 3:12 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Numba10 (anonymous) says...
jobs SAVED or created
June 29, 2009 at 3:16 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestt (anonymous) says...
None of that money goes to the Yorktown which is falling apart and behind in its own right. This is like getting a boob job instead of a liver transplant.
June 29, 2009 at 4:14 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rahard (anonymous) says...
God, i cannot believe this. who is actually making this loan? i suspect us, the taxpayers. we'll never see a dollar of this in return.
i thought they were going to sell it to Japan for scap metal. Take the money and pay off existing debts. The war is long over. Move on.
June 29, 2009 at 4:40 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Numba10 (anonymous) says...
Rahard---No war is long over for those who served--and it sounds as if you are one of those who wish to forget history so it can be repeated---have you actually ever read a complete accounting of this ship and crews actions--if not do so---this gallant vessel deserves to be saved for posterity---oh and dont forget the American Revolution is long over should we let ships of that era rot into oblivion---perhaps you have never offered your life for the freedom of others so you dont get it
June 29, 2009 at 5:28 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Rocks66 (anonymous) says...
rahard,
Selling this craft to Japan would be the ultimate insult to the valiant souls who gave their lives serving aboard her during one of the fiercest kamikaze attacks of the war. Were it not for this ship and her crew, you might be eating your dinner tonight with a set of chopsticks. It amazes me how folks like you can be so dismissive of the human sacrifices that were made that allow you to enjoy the finest standard of living, both economically and politically, in the world.
BTW, did you ever serve in the military? Didn't think so. Just another video-gaming, "American Idol"-watching blogger who could likely record the extent of their knowledge of history on the head of a pin.
June 29, 2009 at 5:50 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
CNSYD (anonymous) says...
rahard, I know what we need to do. Sell Ft. Moultrie and the coastal batteries to developers. Beachfront property worth millions. Why it is just old war stuff. It doesn't mean anything anymore. Think we could make plenty of money for the fed budget off all that land that is going to waste in Arlington? Nothing but dead bodies who don't vote or pay taxes. Developers could build condos. You are a big thinker rahard.
June 29, 2009 at 9:58 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mkris (anonymous) says...
What a waste of money!
A monument to the egos of the high school quarterbacks and the best days of thier lives!
June 29, 2009 at 11:07 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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