I agree, iv been seeing more activity helping the reef grow back to their initial state! Wonderful
Other Destin-Fort Walton Beach Wants to be Dive Capital of Florida
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Okaloosa County Commissioners unanimously approved a $2.95 million contract amendment Tuesday to complete the remediation and deployment of the SS United States as the world’s largest artificial reef, with officials emphasizing that partner contributions totaling more than $4 million will offset the additional costs. No additional Okaloosa County funds proposed in this amendment.
Alex Fogg, the county’s Natural Resources Chief, presented a detailed project update before requesting the funding increase, outlining both the progress made and the challenges encountered in preparing the 990-foot historic ocean liner for its new life in the Gulf.
Fogg explained that approximately $2.2 million of the $2.95 million request stems from unexpected but necessary overruns when planning to depart Philadelphia, with the remainder covering additional needs to reach the finish line, including dockage through June 1 and contingency funds.
The vessel, which still holds the transatlantic speed record more than 70 years after its maiden voyage, is currently docked in Mobile, Alabama, undergoing final remediation following a 1,600-mile tow from Philadelphia that took approximately 12 days.
Fogg provided a comprehensive project update, addressing public concerns while securing final funding for the project.
Remediation is over 90% complete, with all 120 fuel tanks emptied and cleaned and 99% of PCB-containing materials removed.
The ship's iconic funnels, radar mast and five-blade propeller have been removed and stored for the future land-based museum.
Deployment is targeted for late February 2026, with 30-day contingency windows built in for weather.
The EPA has made two site visits and expressed satisfaction with remediation work.
Fogg addressed concerns about zinc chromate and hexavalent chromium, noting regulatory agencies have not raised concerns.
The project has generated $184 million in earned media value since November 2024.
Research partnerships established with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Louisiana State University for 10-year monitoring.
The SS United States Conservancy chose Okaloosa County over a higher offer to scrap the vessel.
Alex Fogg, the county’s Natural Resources Chief, presented a detailed project update before requesting the funding increase, outlining both the progress made and the challenges encountered in preparing the 990-foot historic ocean liner for its new life in the Gulf.
Fogg explained that approximately $2.2 million of the $2.95 million request stems from unexpected but necessary overruns when planning to depart Philadelphia, with the remainder covering additional needs to reach the finish line, including dockage through June 1 and contingency funds.
The vessel, which still holds the transatlantic speed record more than 70 years after its maiden voyage, is currently docked in Mobile, Alabama, undergoing final remediation following a 1,600-mile tow from Philadelphia that took approximately 12 days.
Fogg provided a comprehensive project update, addressing public concerns while securing final funding for the project.
Remediation is over 90% complete, with all 120 fuel tanks emptied and cleaned and 99% of PCB-containing materials removed.
The ship's iconic funnels, radar mast and five-blade propeller have been removed and stored for the future land-based museum.
Deployment is targeted for late February 2026, with 30-day contingency windows built in for weather.
The EPA has made two site visits and expressed satisfaction with remediation work.
Fogg addressed concerns about zinc chromate and hexavalent chromium, noting regulatory agencies have not raised concerns.
The project has generated $184 million in earned media value since November 2024.
Research partnerships established with Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Louisiana State University for 10-year monitoring.
The SS United States Conservancy chose Okaloosa County over a higher offer to scrap the vessel.