FROM THE BRIDGE ~ by CAPT Dick Caswell, USNR (Ret), WINSA President

The  solid momentum shift to the positive continues!  Much has been accomplished recently and here is a quick run down of some of the key items that are moving the project forward.
 

WINSA has scheduled a 7:30 PM fund raiser for the 25th of September at the Stefanie H. Weill Center in Sheboygan.  For details see the John McGivern fund raiser poster in this newsletter.  Please pass the word to your family, your friends and all others who live close enough to help WINSA by attending the event!  A large turnout will help bring the USS Canon to Sheboygan for the benefit of all and be a very enjoyable evening for everyone!

 
Phase I - USS Canon Donation Application Submittal Package was due no later than 15 August 2009 and it included:
o        A Letter of Intent
o        An Executive Summary

It has been submitted and accepted by the Navy.  THIS PHASE IS COMPLETE!

 

Phase II - Due no later than 04 September 2010.  It will consist of:
o        A Business/Financial Plan
o        An Environmental Plan

WINSA has a good start on this phase.
 
Phase III - Due six (6) months after the Navy accepts WINSA's Phase II submittal package.  It will consist of a:
o        Mooring Plan
o        Tow Plan
o        Maintenance Plan
o        Curatorial/Museum Plan

 

In working with Sheboygan's Mayor Ryan, WINSA has determined that the Ideal location for the USS Canon is shown in the sketch below:

The USS Canon's Sheboygan River berth. 

 

When the agreements with the City of Sheboygan are finalized, one principle remains and that is the USS Canon will be brought to Sheboygan at no cost or risk to the city or county of Sheboygan.  Even if WINSA was subsequently required to return the ship, it would not be at city or county expense!  With an expected 50,000 visitors each year and a potential $4 million dollar positive financial impact on Sheboygan's tourist industry, the USS Canon will produce many major positives for the community.  With her being berthed on the Sheboygan River near the 8th Street Bridge, the City of Sheboygan, the "Neighborhood" as well as other community businesses and WINSA's NAVMECS Museum Project all will benefit in a major way - there are no losers in the USS Canon Project.  So in the meantime we "Keep on Truckin" and WINSA continues to work extremely hard  to  bring the USS Canon to Sheboygan!  When she arrives, she will truly be both a treasure and a bargain for the City of Sheboygan!