The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has unveiled grants amounting to $10 million to fund eight harbor maintenance and enhancement initiatives aimed at bolstering waterborne freight and fostering economic growth.
WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson emphasized the significance of maritime routes such as the Mississippi River, Lake Superior, and Lake Michigan for Wisconsin communities in facilitating international commerce. He stated that this year’s investments build upon strategic endeavors to interconnect transportation modes and optimize economic development opportunities.
Importance of Maritime Routes for Wisconsin
The projects supported by the $10 million Harbor Assistance Program grants encompass:
- Briess Malt Inc., Manitowoc – $1 million allocated for dredging the Manitowoc River bed and refurbishing a ship unloading system crucial for Briess Malt’s agricultural commodities import and export operations.
- Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding, Sturgeon Bay – $382,400 designated for dredging the Sturgeon Bay bed to uphold navigation for vessels utilizing the Fincantieri facility.
- City of Manitowoc – $562,000 earmarked for dredging the Manitowoc River bed to reinstate navigation depth, supporting shipping activities at the St. Mary’s Cement facility.
- City Centre LLC, Manitowoc – $1.34 million allocated for constructing a load-out pad to facilitate the assembly, testing, and shipment of new cranes designed by Konecranes Inc.
- Perch Point LLC, Port Milwaukee – $720,000 designated for constructing a loading dock and fixed crane to facilitate the sale, movement, and delivery of shoreline protection materials along the Lake Michigan shoreline.
- City of Superior – $813,800 allocated for stabilizing the existing shoreline and removing a deteriorating dock wall on General Mills property situated along the St. Louis River.
- Hanke Terminals, La Crosse – $2.2 million allocated for rebuilding a deteriorating dock wall used for exporting agricultural commodities and importing bulk goods.
- City of Superior – $3 million earmarked for rebuilding a dock wall along Elkhorn Industries’ property and dredging the Superior Bay bed to establish an intermodal facility.
Established in 1979, Wisconsin’s Harbor Assistance Program aims to help harbor communities maintain and enhance waterborne commerce.
Focus on Economic Development and Transportation Interconnectivity
Public or private harbor facilities can submit applications for projects benefiting cargo transfer, shipbuilding, commercial fishing, vessel cruises, or ferry service. Projects must demonstrate a transportation efficiency benefit-cost ratio exceeding one over a 25-year project lifespan and be outlined in a current three-year harbor development plan. Selection criteria include economic impact, urgency, and project type. Interested parties should note that the deadline for the next cycle of Harbor Assistance Program grants is August 1, 2024.