Park Board Tries To Find Replacement For River Boat Excursions
As reported by Scott Russell in the Feb. 02 issue of the Skyways News, "A Downtown-area excursion boat deal is in stormy waters.
For the first time in a decade, the public may not be able to enjoy a Mississippi River tour on a paddlewheeler that embarks from Boom Island.
The Padelford Packet Boat Company -- which had provided the excursion boats for over a decade -- unexpectedly pulled out of a competitive bidding process. Padelford executives call the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board greedy and indifferent to the significant investment the company has made to the riverfront's success.
The implosion of the long-standing deal has led to charges and recriminations.
City leaders -- keen on preserving Downtown's attractions while adding new ones -- had harsh words for the Park Board..." Read the whole article here.