S.S. United States saved from scrap heap – for now

ALBANY (Scrap Monster): The organization working to save the SS United States says it has raised $600,000 over the last seven weeks.

The ship, once the fastest in the world, has not moved in decades, maintaining a towering presence as motorists drive by on Columbus Boulevard. The ship has particular value as scrap metal because, according to naval historians, it contains more aluminum than any structure built before the World Trade Center.

Docking fees, insurance and caretaker costs amount to about $60,000 a month in Philadelphia, the New York Times reported. The SS United States Conservancy says it no longer has to sell the ship for scrap.

The last update we gave you on the S.S. United States gave hope for the future of the ship as it approached the stated deadline to save the vessel at the end of October. “From a 6th grader named Thomas in Florida, who sent in a $5 bill along with a wonderful drawing of the ship in red, white, and blue magic marker, to our three extraordinary leadership donors, the outpouring of support has been incredibly encouraging”. Now thanks to these new donors, including the $250,000 donation, two other $100,000 donations and other, smaller, contributions, the S.S. United States Conservancy has chose to continue towards plans of redevelopment.

“Several qualified partners have recently made site visits with their engineers, architects and executives”, Executive Director Susan Gibbs said in a statement.

Courtesy: http://www.voicechronicle.com