JUNE 2017 • FOGHORN 35 The S.S. Badger, operated by PVA member Lake Michigan Carferry, Ludington, MI, is the last coal-fired passenger steamship in operation in the United States. Now entering its 64th year of service, the Badger provides a reliable and a f f o r d a b l e shortcut across Lake Michigan and has trans- ported millions of passengers since her re-birth in 1992. Presently, from mid-May to mid-October the Badger sails daily. In 2016 she received the nation’s highest historic honor when the U.S. Department of Interior officially desig- nated the Badger as a National Historic Landmark. At 410-ft., the Badger can accommo- date 600 passengers and 180 vehicles, including RVs, motorcycles, motor coaches, and commercial trucks during the sailing season. Originally designed primarily to transport railroad cars, the vessel and the people who serve her have successfully adapted to the changing world since she first entered service in 1953. The Badger’s commitment to a unique travel e x p e r i e n c e offers tradi- tional favorites including free Badger Bingo, f r e e m o v i e s and satellite television, lounge areas, a toddler play area; free limited Wi-Fi, onboard gift shop, an arcade, private staterooms, two separate food service areas, two bars, and sprawling outside decks for lounging or walking. Night crossings offer spectacular sunsets and sparkling constellations for stargazers. Professional travelers have shared their experiences aboard the Badger with the world, and the Badger was awarded 2016 and 2015 Certificates of Excellence from TripAdvisor and has a five-star rating with Travelocity. n MEMBERNEWS Historic S.S. Badger Is Ready for 64th Year of Service Additional Funding Available and Deadline Extended for Diesel Engine Grant Competition The EPA’s 2017 open grant opportunity for funding diesel engine replacements and repowers, the Diesel Engine Reduction Act (DERA), has been changed to include higher funding levels and an extended deadline. The changes include: • Increasing total funding available from $11 million to $34 million • Extending submission deadline to July 5, 2017 (Originally June 20) • Modifying funding limits by region • Adding Clean Alternative Fuel Conversions to the list of eligible projects This program funds projects that will materially reduce diesel emissions. Marine projects (specifically vessel engine re- placements and repowers) are eligible for funding. Applications must be submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) online via www.grants.gov no later than Wednesday, July 5 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Applications must be submitted through either a governmental entity (including a port authority or a public agency operating a ferry) or a nonprofit that promotes trans- portation or cleaner air quality. There is a non-federal cost share requirement, for a marine vessel engine repower, the EPA grant will fund up to 40 percent of the cost. For more information on this grant program go to www.epa.gov/ cleandiesel/cleandiesel-national- grants#rfp or www .grants.gov. For further information, contact PVA’s Jen Wilk at 1-800-807-8360 x24, jwilk@passengervessel.com or Ed Welch at 1-800-807-8360 x27 or ewelch@passengervessel.com. n