In The News
Huizenga Fights For Middle Class Jobs In West Michigan
Washington,
December 3, 2012
Historic ferry SS Badger's future in doubt with EPA permit about to expire The Detroit Free Press, Todd Spangler - December 1, 2012 WASHINGTON -- A historic ferry that has shuttled passengers, vehicles and freight across Lake Michigan for decades is in danger of being put in permanent dry dock. The spotlight is again on the coal-fired SS Badger because a crucial federal permit that allows the steamer to dump coal ash into the lake is set to expire this month, while efforts are under way in the nation's capital to exempt the Badger from those rules in perpetuity. U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, a Zeeland Republican who has been trying to save the Badger, said that if the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency permit expires Dec. 19 as scheduled and is not reauthorized by the time the vessel's sailing season begins in May, it could spell the end of the ferry that travels from Ludington to Manitowoc, Wis. The ship has been making the trips since the 1950s. "It's been radio silence from the EPA," said Huizenga, whose district includes Ludington. "The Badger folks are hesitant to say anything in case they would influence it negatively. The whole community up there is waiting for it with bated breath." Huizenga said it's not just about tourism -- Ludington and the Badger are part of the Pure Michigan campaign website -- or saving a working, historic vessel, either. The Badger's operations employ a couple of hundred people and generate about $20 million in economic activity, he said. Read the entire article on The Detroit Free Press' website HERE |