ALPENA — The closure of the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center in Alpena due to the COVID-19 pandemic has caused more than 100,000 people to be turned aside from the museum and educational center, officials say .Federal museums in Washington D.C. are open to the populace, albeit with precautions in place, but therefore far the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has given no indication on when the center field in Alpena will be allowed to reopen .
A request for comment to NOAA Public Affairs Specialist Kate Brogan went unanswered .
Like much of the nation at the time, the inheritance center was forced to close its doors to the populace final spring to prevent the diffuse of the pandemic. A banner with large black letters which reads ‘ closed temporarily ’ was placed outside of the facility .
The signboard remains there, alerting those wanting to experience the interactional museum .
Congressman Jack Bergman, a republican from Watersmeet, who represents all of northerly Michigan, sent a letter to NOAA Administrator Richard Spinrad expressing his business about the facility remaining closed and asking for it, and early NOAA facilities, to reopen .
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“ Buildings like the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center have been closed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, frustrating those who wish to visit the sanctuary and enjoy the exhibits, ” Bergman ’ s letter says, “ specially immediately, as the summer temper has come to an goal, and outdoor and water activities are not available, it is authoritative these populace institutions are once again accessible to the public. It is possible to safely open these facilities and I encourage NOAA to act cursorily on this matter and make with the local community to develop a path forward. ”
U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D- Bloomfield Township, has reached out to NOAA and is in close contact with the union agency about the inheritance center and other NOAA facilities, according to Peters ’ office .
Jeff Gray, overseer of Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, said the refuge and inheritance center are key to providing visitors and residents a station to explore and learn about the area ’ s aquatic and nautical history. He said having the heritage center closed, impacts not entirely refreshment and education, but besides the local anesthetic economy .
Gray said losing two summer seasons means the heritage center missed out on having well over 100,000 visitors. Despite that, he said, the health of those who visit and work have to be protected.
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“ We understand the importance of the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center to the economy and quality of life of the region, ” Gray said. “ The staff is working diligently behind the scenes to ensure that we are ready to serve the populace once we are approved to re-open. The safety and well being of the community is the means ’ s circus tent precedence. ”
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