Historic Battleship to reopen

Officials consider dry berth

LA PORTE, Texas – The Battleship Texas will once again be open for business after leaks in the boat caused it to be shut down for repairs.

The leaks happened in June on the historic vessel's metal hull. Officials hired a salvage and dive team and oil cleanup contractors to help repair leaks and pump water out of Blister tanks on the ship's outer hull. Officials said costs for these repairs were close to $1 million and expected to rise.

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"We're expecting pretty much business as usual from the visiting public's perspective when we reopen, although there will be some continuing repair and cleanup work," said Andy Smith, site superintendent with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

The Texas Parks and Wildlife department has been considering a dry berth of the ship to help prevent future water damage. Officials said that option would be a costly one, with estimated figures in the tens of millions of dollars.

Officials said those numbers are in addition to an estimated $23 million for necessary repairs before the ship could be placed on the dry berth.

Donations toward the preservation of the 100-year-old battleship are welcome. Anyone wishing to make one can do so at www.battleshiptexas.org.