WICU12

     The fate of one of Erie's most famous symbols -- the Brig Niagara -- remained unknown for much of last spring following deep state funding cuts.  But after one summer of staying afloat, officials say she has another season left in her.

     "Next year, we're going to be out quite a bit," Flagship Niagara League Executive Director Bill Sutton says.

     Today, the League unveiled the Niagara's sailing schedule for next season -- and it's taking the ship far and away.

     "We're starting out heading to Toronto, then we'll be in Cleveland, Duluth, Green Bay, Put-In-Bay," Sutton says.

     Next summer's booked calendar is a far cry from this past spring, when volunteers scrambled to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars through fundraisers.  But money woes are a problem felt by other tall ships who sail the Great Lakes.

     "All of them internationally have lost during this financial crisis, as we all know, and this ship in particular.  The ports in the other Great Lakes have difficulty financially, too," says Thad Koza, author of Tall Ships: The Fleet for the 21st Century.

     But now, thanks to the community's efforts, other ports will be able to enjoy the Brig Niagara.

     "They love it.  I didn't realize that people sometimes wait for 10 hours to tour the ship," Sutton says.

Lisa Weismann