Plan to transform SS US into world’s largest artificial reef could soon become reality

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A proposed deal to transform the SS United States into the world’s largest artificial reef off the coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico could soon become a reality.

Commissioners of Okaloosa County are scheduled to vote on a $10.1 million plan on Tuesday to move the ocean liner from South Philly, remove environmental hazards, and then sink it off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. The plan includes building an on-land museum there too.

The Tourist Development Council unanimously voted this week to appropriate the funds.

It is estimated the diver's destination project would bring in $3 million annually to the county.

Last week, a judge temporarily suspended the deadline for the removal of the ocean liner at Pier 82 , pending additional negotiations between the parties.