February 9, 2016
Mr. Steven Heuer, Director
Bureau of Revenue, Cash Flow & Debt
Office of the Budget
333 Market Street, 18th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101-2210
Dear Mr. Heuer:
I am writing to express my support for the approval of a $4.5M Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program
(RACP) grant for the Historic Olympia Restoration at Independence Seaport Museum project in the City of
Philadelphia. ISM has submitted a RACP business plan for consideration in Round 1 of 2015.
Together with the redevelopment of the museum building itself, the overall project represents a $42.9 M
investment on the Delaware River waterfront. Prior to reconstruction of the museum and construction of a
new parking garage and adjacent mixed use facility, the Olympia must first be relocated and undergo
extensive restoration.
A National Historic Landmark, USS Olympia (C-6) helped secure victory for the United States in the SpanishAmerican War in 1898 and later carried the body of the Unknown Soldier from France to Arlington, Virginia,
in 1921. As a popular floating museum, Olympia today plays a vital role in the economic life of the Delaware
River waterfront by promoting tourism.
However, for many years, Olympia was a victim of neglect. Saved from the scrap yards, but otherwise largely
forgotten, she lay in “mothballs” at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard from 1922 to 1958. Though well
intentioned, the Cruiser Olympia Association, charged with restoration of the ship, had neither the resources
nor the expertise to properly preserve this unique American treasure. By 1996, her decks leaked profusely,
her hull was a mass of corrosion, and she may have achieved the all-time record among floating vessels for
length of time without dry-docking. The Independence Seaport Museum, recognizing her historical
significance and importance in Philadelphia maritime tradition, adopted Olympia and since that date has
worked to renew and to preserve this remarkable vessel for future generations.
To ensure her long-term survival, which is not yet guaranteed, Olympia must be towed to a dry-dock facility
where she will undergo extensive hull repairs and deck replacements. Olympia was last dry-docked in 1945.
Today, her hull is seriously corroded, especially along the wind-and-water line, and she needs extensive hullplate repair. Olympia currently has more than 70 patched holes in her hull, and more than 700 patches were
made on her exterior decking in 2014 alone. In addition, all of Olympia’s exterior decks need replacement to
ensure the long-term preservation of the interior of the vessel.
Restoring Olympia involves river dredging and tow preparation; hull repair; re-decking, including asbestos
abatement and removal; steel fabrication; and construction of a new berth. As a National Historic Landmark
and popular tourist attraction, The Olympia plays a vital role in the economic life of the Delaware River
waterfront; and RACP funding is requested to support this portion of the project so that the next phases may
begin.
Your support of the restoration and relocation of the historic Olympia through approval of RACP funding will
allow the Independence Seaport Museum to continue its mission, and support the redevelopment of the
waterfront as envisioned by the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC). I urge your favorable
consideration of this request. Thank you for your time and support.
Respectfully,
INSERT NAME
INSERT TITLE