Funds Grounded for New Park Freight Boat

A $250,000 federal appropriation for a new freight boat for Mackinac Island State Park died with other earmarked appropriations for 2007, when Congress failed to take action in December.

Following the November elections, in which Democrats won control of both the House and Senate, work slowed on the 2007 budget process, reported Commissioner Laurie Stupak to the Mackinac Island State Park Commission at its meeting in Lansing January 10. Instead, Congress appropriated the same money to federal agencies as they received last year, and committee reports that included earmarked funding for special projects were not included.

U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak from Menominee, Commissioner Stupak's husband, had requested the funding. A new 74-foot vessel would have replaced the 1952 surplus Navy landing craft the park operates. The funds were part of Transportation, Treasury, Housing, and Urban Development appropriations legislation.

Funding recommendations for the craft had passed both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate.

Congressman Stupak will continue to pursue funding for the craft, an aide in his office said Friday, January 12.

"As we begin the appropriations process for fiscal year 2008, the congressman will work with congressional appropriators to seek funding for the Mackinac Island landing craft," said press secretary Alex Haurek.

Phil Porter, director of Mackinac State Historic Parks, said park staff will look for other funding. Last summer, Mr. Porter said maintaining the 54- year-old vessel had become expensive.