Warship Relocation Plans Score Funding

(rendering courtesy of our partners at WEHT-TV)

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Plans for the new home of a historic warship in Evansville are moving forward. Our partners at WEHT-TV report the Evansville City Council has approved nearly $3 million for a new dock and welcome center for the LST 325. The ship will move to the former site of the old Tropicana riverboat casino, which was removed in favor of the new land-based casino.

Tropicana has offered $1 million to assist with the move, in addition to the city’s commitment of $2.7 million to build the dock and welcome center. LST board member Chris Donahue tells the station work will begin to plan the ship’s relocation downstream from its current location, which he adds could double the attraction’s current attendance.

"Right now we’re closed 30% of the year,” said Donahue. “November through even March, I think.  That’s not good. You’re wasting 30% of your time. Down there we’ll probably be open every day."

Officials are looking to bid out the construction of the new dock and welcome center in September with the goal of having the ship in its new location by next July.