Texas Historical Commission Approves Permits for Major Work on Battleship Texas
Posted by Battleship Texas Foundation on March 26, 2020
The Battleship Texas Foundation is excited to announce that the Texas Historical Commission has approved three (3) permits allowing major work to begin on the Battleship Texas. Below is the press release distributed by the Texas Historical Commission on 26 March 2020. We will release the details of the permits when the repair facility is selected. So check back for future updates!
The Texas Historical Commission (THC) approved three permits enabling major work to begin on the relocation and restoration of the Battleship Texas.
In a special posted meeting conducted by teleconference, the THC’s executive committee took actions enabling the Battleship Texas Foundation to prepare the ship for relocation to a shipyard for restoration.
“We are grateful for the assistance and support we have received from the THC, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and all our partners and donors from across the state,” said Bruce Bramlett, the Battleship Texas Foundation’s chief operating officer and executive director. “We have a lot to do now, and we can’t wait to get started.”
The permits also authorize restoration work on the vessel’s hull and “blister” – twin compartments that helped protect it from torpedoes or other assaults – and projects involving the removal and restoration of large deck pieces, like cannons and searchlights.
The 86th Texas Legislature approved funding to move and restore the Battleship Texas. Due to the importance and complexity of the project, the THC Executive Committee conducted a special public meeting through teleconference after the agency’s scheduled March meeting was postponed in response to the COVID-19 crisis.