With relocation funding in question, future uncertain for historic Bay Area ship

"The nonprofit group that owns it would like to move the SS Red Oak Victory near the visitor center of the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park, where the cargo ship which has been transformed into a floating museum is likely to draw more visitors. But with a project price tag estimated between $16 million and $20 million and no guarantee of where that money will come from, Richmond councilmembers have decided not to spend the $300,000 needed to study"

"Many people are unaware of the museum's existence, SS Red Oak Victory Marketing Director Fred Klink told Richmond councilmembers at a Feb. 3 meeting. Placing the ship closer to the visitor center could create synergy between the two historical sites, he said, and being near the Richmond ferry line could also boost interest in the World War II ship. The center sits along Richmond's Marina Bay waterfront, an area eyed for residential and commercial growth that's already flushed with people taking scenic strolls,"

"Port Director Charles Gerard argued that the council should approve the study because it has already been budgeted. The port was seeking to contract with Liftech Consultants Inc., an engineering firm in Oakland, to do the work for $299,797. Looking long-term, Gerard said moving the ship could free up a port basin that could be rented out for commercial use and generate revenue for the port."

The SS Red Oak Victory currently sits in Richmond's port while its nonprofit owner seeks relocation near the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park visitor center to increase museum attendance. Relocation is estimated at $16–20 million, and councilmembers declined to allocate the $300,000 needed for a pier feasibility study. Supporters argue that moving the ship would create synergy with the visitor center, attract ferry passengers, and benefit from Marina Bay waterfront foot traffic. Port leadership said the study was already budgeted and that relocation could free a basin for revenue-generating commercial use. The ship was built in the Kaiser Shipyards and returned to Richmond in 1998, with the city crediting the port $143,000 annually for storage.

Read at www.mercurynews.com