SNOW HILL, Md. - The 'Black Eyed Susan' is docked in Salisbury for repairs.
The hope, says Snow Hill Town Manager Gary Weber, is to have the riverboat operational by early next spring.
Some businesses in Snow Hill say they're excited for the potential boost to the local economy it may bring. John DelVecchio III, who owns DelVecchio's Bakery, says it will be a great way to bring people to the quiet town.
"People can come to town and shop and take the riverboat," DelVecchio says, "I'm not too sure exactly what the hours are or what they're gonna offer but I'm really excited!"
Snow Hill purchased the Black Eyed Susan in early October. The Worcester County Commissioners provided all of the money. A 15-year, $400,000 no interest loan, to be exact. Originally, $250,000 of CARES Act funding was to be used to cover some of the bill.
"We have since learned that is not an option. So it is totally off the table, "Town Manager Gary Weber says, "we were hoping, it really would have helped, but we're gonna be fine. We've applied to two other grants in the process of other things. "
The Black Eyed Susan will run between Snow Hill and Pocomoke. There is no set plan as to how much a trip will cost or what exactly it will entail.
Pocomoke was willing to partner on this venture but Weber says Pocomoke has since moved on.
