BUFFALO, N.Y. — ​In response to an SOS from a local historic landmark, Congressman Brian Higgins has secured nearly $500,000 to help keep the USS The Sullivans afloat.

The vessel at the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and Military Park was heavily damaged two winters ago.

Through community fundraising efforts last spring, hundreds of thousands of dollars were donated to help make temporary repairs. Now the federal government is stepping in with $490,000.

"The USS The Sullivans is part of the largest and most important class of U.S. Destroyers used in World War II; it is a critical piece of our maritime history that deserves to be preserved long into the future," said Congressman Higgins. "As the decommissioned ship shows its age, this funding will ensure that necessary repairs can be completed so it can continue to be toured and enjoyed by veterans, visitors, and community members for many years to come."

With that money, the Naval and Military Park has hired a marine engineering firm to complete several tasks.

"Below the waterline is where she is damaged," Paul Marzello, Buffalo & Erie County Naval & Military Park president and CEO, said. "We have several perforations that need to be patched, and several works that need to be performed on the interior ship on the underside. The keel is probably the area where she needs the most work, but we are just confident in the group that is doing these repairs and that it will be repaired before the end of this summer."

This money was announced on the 79th anniversary of The Sullivans launch in the Pacific, on April 4, 1943.

"It is fitting that we make this announcement today, April 4, 2022, 79 years to the day that USS The Sullivans was launched," Marzello added. "The five Sullivan brothers paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country, and it is our mission to share their story to help honor, educate, inspire, and preserve their ship and their legacy for future generations."