SS United States Conservancy Says It Has Funds To Keep Ship Afloat 'Well Into Next Year'
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Thanks to generosity from supporters around the world, the SS United States Conservancy says it has raised sufficient funds to keep the ship afloat "well into next year."
Last month, the Conservancy says it announced it retained a broker to explore the ship's sale to a U.S. based recycler because of the financial burdens imposed the ship's monthly expenses, but now thanks to a number of major donations, as well as additional contributions from more than 800 supporters, the Conservancy's Board of Directors voted not to accept any of the three bids submitted by the recyclers.
The Conservancy says it has raised more than $600,000 since last month, including two $100,000 gifts and a $250,000 donation.
"People from the world over have sent a loud and clear message that the SS United States must not be destroyed," stated Susan Gibbs, the Conservancy's Executive Director. "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. The SS United States has been given a temporary lifeline, and we are now powerfully positioned to advance our shared goal of saving America's Flagship for future generations."
Gibbs added, "The possibilities for the SS United States' revitalization are truly exciting."
The Conservancy says with the ship's immediate future secured, it will continue ongoing negotiations with existing and new developers who are actively engaged in exploring options for the ship's adaptive reuse.
For more information on history of the ship and the conservancy, visit www.ssusc.org
