Scenic Lincoln Way seeks CVB support for historic 'Abraham' boat project

Representatives of Scenic Lincoln Way appealed to the Perry County Visitors Bureau board on March 5 for financial help to finish and operate a historic flat‑boat project called the “Abraham.” Scenic Lincoln Way’s board president introduced Katie Papano, who described the outstanding costs as insurance, Coast Guard‑required safety equipment, licenses and storage, and said she paid $1,100 for a professional inspection to obtain an insurance quote. Papano told the board the boat, motor and trailer are paid for, but the insurance will not become effective until the boat is launched.

Papano said the group cannot operate the boat as a commercial passenger vessel and therefore will not sell individual tickets; instead the organization plans a donation model (one donor covers a group’s trip). She asked the CVB for either a one‑time donation or staged support over the next three years to cover those operating and compliance expenses, and said the project aims to participate in a longer 2028 reenactment voyage of Abraham Lincoln’s trip from Rockport to New Orleans.

Board members asked logistics questions about accounts and fundraising; presenters said donations would be managed through Scenic Lincoln Way’s nonprofit account and that the Abraham is currently stored at Rocky Point with a maximum passenger capacity of 14. Members suggested non‑cash support such as using CVB marketing channels rather than direct grants; the board did not make an immediate funding commitment during the meeting.

The board requested additional documentation and suggested the group return with a budget and clear list of required items. The next procedural step is that Scenic Lincoln Way will provide the spreadsheet and account details requested by the board for further consideration.