Sounds like an excellent deal, this area finally gets some return for it's federal tax dollars. I can't wait to see it in action. 2000 gpm with an unlimited supply of water--Awesome.

Sounds normal to me. Lay off somebody to build a place where dogs can defecate. Oh Ya!

Not questioning the fire fighting skills of the LFD nor the crime fighting skills of the LPD, but who in either department is qualified to operate such a vessel? How many own boats/or are avid boaters? Only going to need 500 gallons a year for fuel? Maybe if they don’t bring it up on plane. Twin 225's like gas, lots of it....

Alethea...your comment of "maybe if they don't bring it up on plane" could be answered easily by reading the entire article. From the article..."It would primarily be used in Pere Marquette Lake, the channel and in Lake Michigan near the breakwaters and Stearns Park." That is pretty much all a "NO WAKE" area, so you're right. It probably won't be up on plane alot. And it isn't like they will be out Joy Riding in it the way the USCG does in their blow up boat. With Ludington being a popular recreational port, and gets a fair number of freighters in, this could be a valuable addition. Every year there are fires on boats out on Lake Michigan. Having access to a fast response fire fighting boat, with little local cost, should be appreciated.

Looks like a win-win situation for all. The waterfront's residences will have alot faster and stronger response to fires, and the waterways will be better enforced against safety issues. And the city's out-of-pocket expenses is nill to nothing. Good luck with the new vessel. Keep more ideas like this coming in the future.

I am disappointed that we have no story on this LDN website that covers the rest of the council meeting beyond the Okaying of the fire boat. Layoffs, dog park creation, budget clarifications, etc. would be great fodder for public consumption and commentary. Seems a bit like news suppression more than anything else. NOTE: The full stories are available to paying eEdition and print subscribers, the LDN website only contains a portion of each day's news.