Press Releases

The House of Representatives today unanimously passed Rep. Bill Huizenga’s amendment protecting and providing certainty to the Badger car ferry and the millions of dollars annually that supports the local economy.

The amendment was co-sponsored by Reps. Dan Benishek, MI, and Tom Petri, of the Manitowac area where the Badger harbors at in Wisconsin.

This amendment is an example of how federal government regulations threaten small businesses: The EPA’s special rules protecting the Badger as an historic ship are set to expire in 2012, and Huizenga’s amendment will ensure the Badger is officially protected for the life of the vessel.

“Without the certainty provided by this amendment, the Badger could very easily be forced off the Great Lakes at the end of 2012. With an annual economic impact of roughly $35 million for our two small port cities both in Wisconsin and in Michigan, keeping the Badger operational is absolutely vital to our communities,” Huizenga said on the House floor.

To see his entire statement, please click here.