 In 1983, the "Banque de l'union européenne" of Paris provided financing for the project through an $8 million loan.In foreshadowing the future problems the gondola would face, on its maiden crossing, after being blessed by Archbishop Philip Hannan, the ride would temporarily stall.The ride took four minutes to complete and crossed over above the Mississippi River, and had a maximum capacity of 2,000 passengers per hour.