Lake Michigan Carferry, owner and operator of The S.S. Badger, announced Wednesday that they have received the final permit from The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to start rebuilding the dock infrastructure in Ludington Michigan necessary to operate its historic and beloved car and passenger ferry.
This year’s sailing season, between Manitowoc and Ludington was cut short this summer when on July 21st, the counterweight structure on the port side failed, rendering the apron ramp non-operational.
No one was hurt and neither the Badger nor ramp sustained damage.
In a news release, General Manager of The Lake Michigan Carferry Sara Spore says “Were very excited to receive the much anticipated federal and state permits to state construction of the lifting mechanism for the apron in Ludington. It’s a major step forward in the concerted effort to get the Badger back underway to serve our port communities and carry passengers and transport freight across our marine highway on Lake Michigan.”
Spore adds “With the season ending unexpectedly this year, we cannot wait to welcome everyone back in the spring of 2024.”
Extensive below-water work continues with hopes to complete it all prior to winter ice formation. The full-scale project is expected to take several months to complete.
