Plans are moving forward to relocate the 74-year-old retired dredge boat “William A. Thompson” from its current location in Fountain City, Wis. to Prairie du Chien, Wis.
According to U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project manager Marc Krumholz , the corps identified Prairie du Chien-based nonprofit Community Development Alternatives Inc. as an organization qualified to acquire the dredge. Wisconsin state law stipulates that the dredge can be sold to a qualified non-profit organization that receives federal funding, but that it can no longer be used as a dredge.
“ I think CDA inc. is very good hands for the dredge to be in from a restoration and public education standpoint, ” said Krumholz.
The relocation project still needs to be approved by the city of Prairie du Chien, the Wisconsin General Services Administration, and the Wisconsin Historical Preservation Office before plans can be finalized. Still, Krumholz said he hopes to see the project completed by Spring.
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Dredging Today Staff, December 14, 2011;