The funds that the Willis B. Boyer received were strictly reserved for historic properties in the State of Ohio. Last August, the State of Ohio received $1.8 million in funding through the Recovery Act from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Brownfield Revitalization efforts. Up to $200,000 in Recovery Act funding was made available to eligible nonprofit and local government entities for remediating asbestos in historic buildings, which contributes to the economic revitalization of communities, vibrant neighborhood centers, and health and safety for occupants and visitors of these buildings.

The asbestos abatement of the Willis B. Boyer Museum Ship was the only missing component of the vessels entire restoration project anticipated to be completed by spring 2011.  The restoration is being conducted in preparation for her July 1, 2011 Centennial Celebration.  The museum ship has been nominated by the State of Ohio to the national register of historic places and is a future centerpiece of the National Great Lakes Maritime Museum. Recently the Great Lakes Historical Society signed an agreement with the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority to locate this museum in Toledo and is set to open in the spring of 2012. A feasibility study of the proposed museum slates it to attract 40,000 to 60,000 visitors annually. Also, over 40% of the ship is currently inaccessible to the public. The inaccessible areas include the Boiler Room, Windless Room, Forward Crew Accommodations and two cargo holds. These areas offer significant educational opportunities and realism of shipboard life. These Recovery Act funds allow the Willis B. Boyer to become an active part of regional economic development through tourism.

The asbestos remediation work will be publicly bid with the preference to award the contract to a local company thus creating some jobs.