Houchin Ferry Boat To Be Removed, Dry-Docked

courtesy of NPS.org

MAMMOTH CAVE, Ky., April 24, 2015 – On Wednesday, April 29, 2015, the Houchin Ferry boat is scheduled to be removed from the river and moved to dry-dock in the Park maintenance area.  The boat will be repaired and inspected for future use at the Green River Ferry location. 

“We have been concerned for some time about the security of the ferryboat at Houchin Ferry,” said Superintendent Sarah Craighead.  “Since the ferry service was discontinued in 2013, the boat has been tethered to the bank, but exposed to high water and drift, and some vandalism.  We regret that, because of the park's tight budget situation, we are unable to determine when we will be able to resume service.  Therefore it is responsible for us to do our best to preserve the equipment and reuse it where possible.”

The ferry boat will be trailered and moved to the Park maintenance area for required Coast Guard inspection and repairs.  In the fall of 2015, it will replace the boat at the Green River Ferry.  The ferryboat removed from Green River Ferry location will be dry-docked and renovated as funding permits.

Green River Ferry is a high priority for the park,” added Craighead.  “By using the ferryboat from Houchin Ferry, we can swap out the boats and keep the service running at the Green River Ferry location during the required inspection and maintenance.”

via MCNP 

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