WILMINGTON, N.C. (AP) - Engineers are kicking off construction on a kind of dam that will make repair work possible on one of North Carolina's favorite tourist attractions.
Contractors are discussing Monday the start of work on a permanent water-control device and walkway surrounding the battleship USS North Carolina in Wilmington.
The so-called cofferdam will allow workers to repair the ship's corroded hull for the first time in more than 60 years. The $8 million cofferdam will allow for future repairs and maintenance by controlling whether the area around the old warship is dry or under water.
