Phantom Losses
According to an article by Steve Brandt in the June 8, 2009 issue of the Star Tribune about the I-35W Bridge girders littering Bohemian Flats parkland, the Park Board claims that it is losing $20,000 "because a private excursion boat can't operate there."
However, both of the private boats, which have a contract with the Park Board, are docked up river at Boom Island (also MPRB parkland) and are running their cruises from there. In fact, the 2008 Paradise Cruises' website refers to Boom Island as their port. I have seen the boats--the Mississippi Queen and the Paradise Lady--at Boom Island last year and again this year.
So it is hard to understand how the Park Board staff can claim that the excursion boat company and the Park Board have been losing revenue when the boats are--and have been--operating.
Arlene Fried Co-founder of Park Watch