Badger sailing ‘Without a doubt”

Wind turbines were transported on the Badger on an almost daily basis in 2012.

LUDINGTON – Lake Michigan Carferry, owner of the S.S. Badger, announced today that the carferry will be sailing this year. The company also announced the sailing season will start two weeks earlier than previously announced. Instead of May 17, the Badger will begin sailing on May 6.

The schedule change is due to a request to transport over-dimensional loads of wind tower sections, which are manufactured by Broadwind Energy of Manitowoc, Wis. And destined for wind generation projects in Michigan.

Last year, the Badger transported over 500 wind tower sections, resulting in an extended season.

Though the Badger’s permit to discharge coal ash has expired, the company will be able to operate this year. “We can tell you that without doubt,” said LMC spokeswoman Terri Brown.

“We have been working under the legal counsel of the nationally renowned law firm of K L Gates  to assist us through this process,” Brown said. “The primary attorney we are working with is Barry Hartman. Hartman states, ‘Under federal laws, anyone who applies for a new permit to replace an expiring one like LMC has done is specifically allowed by law to keep operating under the expired permit until a final decision is made on the new permit. This is done frequently. Every year there are as many as 10,000 companies operating under expired permits like the Badger’s, while their permits are being considered.’”

The full complement of Badger amenities will also be available for passengers beginning on May 6. LMC is celebrating the Badger’s 60th anniversary this season and special pre-season anniversary pricing on passenger and vehicle fares is being offered for reservations booked before April 1.

The 60th anniversary pricing includes $60 adult one-way fares and $60 auto one-way fares.