by Mac Mackay » January 8, 2018, 1:42 pm
If the true cost of the Seaway delays were ever to be revealed I think we would be astounded.
I was glad the Seaway managed to acknowledge "contractors" at the end of the list of their own resources, but you don't hire half a dozen tugs for cheap.
The steam jennies they hired had to come from somewhere at a daily rate including operator accommodation ,meals, etc.,
I suppose their own employees might be on the job anyway even if the system was closed for the season, but there was likely a large overtime bill.
Then there is the diversion of the Martha L. Black from other duties on the St. Lawrence River.
There may even be delays in starting winter maintenance on the locks or damage to walls and gates to deal with.
The question is, can these costs be recovered from Seaway tolls or are tax payers on the hook.
If the true cost of the Seaway delays were ever to be revealed I think we would be astounded.
I was glad the Seaway managed to acknowledge "contractors" at the end of the list of their own resources, but you don't hire half a dozen tugs for cheap.
The steam jennies they hired had to come from somewhere at a daily rate including operator accommodation ,meals, etc.,
I suppose their own employees might be on the job anyway even if the system was closed for the season, but there was likely a large overtime bill.
Then there is the diversion of the Martha L. Black from other duties on the St. Lawrence River.
There may even be delays in starting winter maintenance on the locks or damage to walls and gates to deal with.
The question is, can these costs be recovered from Seaway tolls or are tax payers on the hook.