The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw , an icebreaker that has helped keep Great Lakes shipping lanes open since World War II, will become a museum in Cheboygan with the passage of legislation introduced Thursday, June 9, by U.S. Senators Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) and Carl Levin (D-MI).

“The Mackinaw icebreaker is a historic ship that has served the Great Lakes well for many years, and it will continue to play an important role as a Great Lakes Museum,” Mr. Levin said. “Although the operational costs of the Mackinaw icebreaker have rendered it inefficient for its original purpose, it has many years of use in its future as a reminder of the rich history of our lakes.”

The Mackinaw’s keel was laid in 1943, and, because of its size, the vessel has been confined to the Great Lakes since it was commissioned. The Mackinaw has called Cheboygan its home port since 1944, and the legislation will convey the Mackinaw to city of Cheboygan and Cheboygan County for permanent exhibition.

Ms. Stabenow and Mr. Levin recently conveyed another vintage Coast Guard Cutter, the Bramble , to Port Huron, which had served as the ship’s home port sine 1975.

A new cutter Mackinaw was recently launched in Marinette, Wisconsin, and has been scheduled to undergo sea trials this month. The new vessel will also call Cheboygan home.

The legislation is the Senate Companion to H.R. 1448, which was introduced earlier this year by U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak (D-MI).