Orleck’s proposed location questioned (11/3)

Posted November 3, 2009 at 1:42 am
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By ERIC CORMIER
AMERICAN PRESS

Officials with Lake Charles City Hall are continuing negotiations with supporters of the USS Orleck in an effort to get the World War II-era ship permanently docked in the lake.

Attorney Brian Arabie, who represents the city in a number of projects related to the downtown and lakefront districts, said Orleck supporters have finally responded to correspondence sent from City Hall in June.

During Monday’s Downtown Development Authority meeting, Arabie explained to members what the city administration is looking for from the Orleck team. “They responded last month. And now we have follow-up questions,” he said.

First, the city is concerned about the mooring of the ship. Arabie said city officials are aware of the potential for catastrophe caused by a storm with the Orleck sitting next to the Interstate 10 Calcasieu River bridge.

“We all saw the barges at Harrah’s during Hurricane Rita. So our concern is securing the vessel. Harrah’s barges ended up on land. The Orleck would be a boat with nothing protecting it, and it would sit near the bridge,” Arabie said.

The city is also interested in knowing when the Orleck supporters will get a performance bond that would ensure that if the boat needs to be moved, funds will be available.

Arabie also said he has questions about the Orleck organization’s business plan. “They are going to run this all on volunteer labor?” Arabie said.

During the meeting, it was announced that the Lakefront Promenade is 30 percent complete and local workers are making the iron works that will be positioned on the enhanced walkway. The completion date for the project is May.

Also, Bord du Lac Marina is 80 percent complete, with plumbing and electrical work yet to be finished.

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