Petersburg will spend $240,000 to scrap large derelict vessels

Disposing of large, derelict vessels abandoned in Petersburg’s harbors comes at a cost.

The borough assembly has authorized the transfer of $240,000 from the harbor department reserves to the derelict boat disposal budget category to pay for disposal of two large derelict boats.

The assembly also amended the code to make clear that boat owners are responsible for disposal costs.

“It’s incredibly expensive,” Borough Manager Steve Giesbrecht said at the Aug. 19 assembly meeting. “Literally, to take two boats apart and scrap them and handle any hazmat materials, the estimate was just under $250,0...