The Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History is working on a wish list to get the Columbus ships in tip-top shape and creating a safe display for tourists.

All three ships suffer from dry rot. However city officials hope to find the money to pay for restoration.

Since June, two Columbus ships on display at the Corpus Christi Museum of Science and History have been off-limits to tourists. That's because an inspector found all three ships to be suffering from dry-rot. The inspector also warned of imminent safety hazards like unsafe decks, falling masts and the possible sinking of the "Nina," that is moored at one of the T-Heads, with the arrival of another storm.

Now the museum is asking the city for more money to pay for dry docking the Nina. The museum has already approved the general fund budget but it's a race against mother nature. That's because moisture, wind and the sun are taking their toll.

Corpus Christi Mayor, Henry Garrett told Kiii News, "What citizens need to understand is that we have a lot of needs in Corpus Christi and we are still are working on the Columbus ships.  We're talking about a lot of money, and we just don't have a lot of money right now."

The city has until August 19TH to finalize it's 2008 bond proposal.  Museum leaders are hoping it will include a financial lifesaver for the ships that were given to Corpus Christi by the Spanish government.