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The widely recognized Thompson was the impetus for the museum’s opening in 2006, and organizers planned for the boat to be its main attraction once it was decommissioned by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Now, the museum says red tape and rising costs for its acquisition and installation have caused it to reconsider a deal in the making since 2003.
“The discovery of new obligations that the museum must agree to and the related costs of compliance and operation have caused our board to step back and take a careful second look,” said Rachelle Shultz, museum board chairwoman.
Board members say the deal is more complicated — and perhaps more expensive — than first anticipated.
The museum’s board was recently presented paperwork from the Minnesota State Historic Preservation Office, Minnesota Surplus Services and the corps outlining additional steps it must take to obtain the vessel.
Board member Bud Baechler could not be specific on what those steps entailed, saying in a telephone interview that the museum is still reviewing the documents.
It’s likely the recent developments will increase the cost of obtaining and restoring the boat, the statement indicates.
Nevertheless, the museum says it’s committed to bringing the boat permanently to Winona.
“This doesn’t dampen our desire to succeed in the mission,” Baechler said. “It’s just that the board is saying be prudent.”
About the Thompson
Built in 1937, the 270-foot dredge Thompson cleared sediment from more than 1,000 miles of commercial navigation channels in the Mississippi, St. Croix and Illinois rivers. It was retired this year and replaced by three newer vessels.
