Legislation Will Allow for Expansion of Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum

Dr. Benishek Praises Passage of Bill To Improve Chippewa County Museum
WASHINGTON, DC: Dr. Dan Benishek (MI-01) today praised the passage of S. 404, a Senate bill designed to end a bureaucratic roadblock that has prevented the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum from making improvements and additions to its facility in Chippewa County.

“From the bell of the Edmund Fitzgerald to the Whitefish Point Lighthouse, the Shipwreck Museum’s exhibits tell the story of those who have navigated the Great Lakes. This facility displays important parts of Northern Michigan’s history. I’m pleased this legislation has moved one step closer to being delivered to the President’s desk,” said Dr. Benishek, when speaking on the House floor in support of the legislation.

Dr. Benishek authored the companion legislation in the House of Representatives (H.R. 3411) in November 2011. The legislation will correct an error in the land patent issued by the U.S. Department of Interior in 1998 and permit the museum to improve its facility. By taking this action, the legislation works to continue honoring the important maritime tradition of Great Lakes shipping. The Senate version of the bill was introduced by Senator Carl Levin.

“I want to thank Senator Levin for his efforts and leadership on this issue. Preserving Michigan’s maritime history is a resource that both Senator Levin and I agree warrants enthusiastic bipartisan support for the benefit of future generations of visitors,” added Dr. Benishek.

The museum, located in Paradise on the Lake Superior shoreline, is operated by the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society and receives nearly 60,000 visitors per year.