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Door County board urges state action to inspect and remove grounded tug in Bailey's Harbor
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Summary
The county passed a resolution urging the Wisconsin Legislature and DNR to inspect and remove the grounded tug Donnie S. in Bailey's Harbor, citing possible hazardous materials and repeated stalled removal attempts; the resolution passed with one opposing vote.
The Door County Board adopted a resolution urging the Wisconsin Legislature and Department of Natural Resources to inspect and, if necessary, remove the grounded tug Donnie S. from Bailey’s Harbor.
Supervisor Thais presented Resolution 2026-32, saying local stakeholders and a work group that included the town of Bailey’s Harbor and county staff have tried unsuccessfully to secure state action. “This has been a topic of discussion over the last year or two,” Thais said, asking the board to press DNR and state lawmakers for funding and intervention.
Corporation counsel and other supervisors noted jurisdictional uncertainty: supervisors flagged that the Coast Guard has declined responsibility and that removal could be expensive. “It’s really gonna be a determination for the DNR,” one supervisor said, adding that costs could exceed $1 million depending on depth and method. County official Sean (corporation counsel) said the resolution asks the state to investigate hazardous substances aboard the vessel, assess structural integrity and remove the vessel if required.
The resolution passed by voice vote with one recorded opposition and will be forwarded to state lawmakers and the DNR for action.
