Senators McManus and George offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 168.

            A resolution to urge the United States Coast Guard, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of History, Arts and Libraries to work together to do all they can to move a sunken tugboat, the Seneca, to an underwater preserve.

            Whereas, A 94-foot tugboat, the Seneca, sank in early December in a storm in southeast Lake Superior. The tug, which had just been serviced and upgraded in Sault Ste. Marie, was being towed toward Duluth when the storm struck. The 67-year-old Seneca, which is being cleaned of its fuel and other materials, now sits, partially sunken, approximately 18 miles east of Grand Marais; and

            Whereas, While the loss of the tugboat is very regrettable for the company, this situation offers an opportunity to turn the loss into a significant gain for the state's recreational resources. Underwater preserves in Michigan and across the country draw thousands of divers and students and are major attractions. In Michigan waters, these preserves harbor significant historic artifacts that are most useful for educational as well as recreational purposes. Those who manage and enjoy underwater preserves are often searching for older vessels so they can clean them up and sink them in specific locations to enhance the preserves; and

            Whereas, The challenge of removing the Seneca from its current location, cleaning it up, and sinking it in an underwater preserve will require the cooperation of many entities and will entail costs. The owner of the boat, who is in strong support of this strategy, groups advocating for Michigan maritime history, and diving organizations strongly feel that this situation represents an opportunity for the state. Clearly, the long-term benefits of removing this tug to add to Michigan underwater recreational and historic resources should be pursued; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That we urge the United States Coast Guard, the Department of Natural Resources, and the Department of History, Arts and Libraries to work together to do all they can to move a sunken tugboat, the Seneca, to an underwater preserve; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the United States Coast Guard, Sector Sault; the Department of Natural Resources; the Department of History, Arts and Libraries; and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society.