Norfolk says below deck of Wisconsin to open soon

NORFOLK — Norfolk officials say the city will soon give visitors access to the interior of the battleship Wisconsin.

The Navy agreed to donate the battleship to the city in late 2007 for use as a floating museum but tours were limited to the ship’s deck. The plan is to open the ship’s interior in phases over the next several years.

Delays have stemmed from hazardous materials that might be on board. City officials are awaiting the go-ahead from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for testing the air inside the ship.

The Wisconsin is one of the largest and last battleships built by the Navy. Officials say it attracted about 212,000 people last year.