Government shutdown may impact start of Badger’s sailing season.

Alway Photography

Government shutdown may impact start of Badger’s sailing season.

MANITOWOC — The federal government’s partial shutdown may impact the start of the SS Badger’s sailing season, according to Manitowoc, Wisc. Mayor Justin Nickels. Repairs to the carferry docks in Ludington and Manitowoc are being funded by a $5 million federal grant. According to a report on Wisconsin TV station WBAY, Nickels said both cities were informed that invoices on the federal grant will not be processed due to the shutdown.

Manitowoc will continue repairs and upgrades to its dock with $2.9 million from the Wisconsin Harbor Assistance Program, $1.3 million from city funds and a $279,000 in locally matched funds. The work will be finished in time for the 2019 sailing season, he said. But, the delay may come on the Michigan side of Lake Michigan.

The Ludington dock has been removed. That project is being funded completely through federal funds.

“If work is halted for a long period of time, the SS Badger may be in jeopardy of beginning its sailing season on time – even if the Manitowoc dock is completed,” a statement from the City of Manitowoc said.

The sailing season is scheduled to begin on May 10.