After months of uncertainty surrounding the fate of the SS United States, there seems to have been a breakthrough as Okaloosa County has signed an agreement to acquire the historic ocean liner, writes Jared Williams for Get the Coast.
Built in 1952, the SS United States holds the record for the fastest Atlantic crossing.
Once the acquisition is complete, Okaloosa County plans to create the world’s largest artificial reef off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
According to county documents, the project involves a $9 million budget from the Tourist Development Department, which will be used for the acquisition, remediation, transport, and deployment of the ship. The project also includes plans to build a land-based museum dedicated to the ship.
Docked in South Philadelphia for decades, the SS United States has faced legal challenges when federal judge Anita Brody ruled that its caretakers had until a deadline of Sept. 12, 2024 to vacate its location.
Since then, there has been a concerted effort to find a way to preserve the historic vessel.
The Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners are scheduled to meet on Tuesday, September 3 at 3 PM to ratify the executed contract for its acquisition.
Read more about the potential acquisition of the SS United States in Get the Coast.
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