I read with interest the article on the CCA ‘s current financial dilemma. Let me start by saying I wish they had a “surplus” instead because that would mean the project was a success but the outcome is not surprising. The city was presented with the plan for the boat over 10 years ago. Originally Anna Koval came to the LaSalle City Council to ask for our official support on the project. This was necessary in order for her to pursue funding for the project. The city was not asked to supply any financial aid at that time. As we moved forward, funding became a problem for Anna and costs for the boat continued to increase. I believe the original amount to build it was closer to$100,ooo.00 . Over the years that cost became higher and higher with the safety requirements that were attached to the boat by various agencies overseeing these waterways. The final bill to build was close to or over $1,000,000.00! The requests for financial backing from the city of LaSalle became more and more of an issue in order for the boat to become reality. I was one of the few council members at the time who said no to the city funding this boat. At the time it was to be built there were only five in existence in the U.S and of the five, four were funded and overseen by the state park agencies in the states were they were launched. The only one funded by a city was located in Toledo, Ohio. I pointed out that the cost as a percentage of that cities total budget was far smaller than what our boat would be to our total finances.
Finally we as a council decided not to be the “owners” of the Volunteer. It proved to be a wise decision on the part of your council.
I wish the Canal Corridor Association well and hope they can sustain some sort of presence on the canal. I think a smaller scale operation would be best with perhaps more emphasis on the “visitors center” as a museum of sorts for the canal’s history.
The center is a nice addition to the community and has hosted many public meetings for the area. Until the canal is dredged and opened all the way to Utica I cannot see a profitable end to the boat cruises.
I remember speaking to then congressman Jerry Weller at the public announcement for the construction of the canal boat. He was suprised I was there since I was opposed to the city funding any of the boat costs. I pointed out to Jerry that I wasn’t against the boat as a tourist attraction but I didn’t think the taxpayer should be stuck with the bill! These types of projects are well known to be used as political stepping stones.Some elected officials think it shows the voters that they get things done. The problem is that all they usually end up doing is showing the voter how they can waste your tax dollars!
Using common sense one comes to the conclusion that if these projects are viable, they are better left to the private sector to build and make a profit for their investors. Lets make better use of our tax dollars.
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