Full port press
The Port of Green Bay shipping season started March 10 with the delivery of 6,220 tons of petroleum products to U.S. Venture by the Margaret with Tug Albert, marking the earliest start Port Director Dean Haen said he has seen in his 25-year career.
“We’re looking forward to another great year for Great Lakes commerce,” Haen said. “The big ships entering the Port of Green Bay provide economic stability for our region, along with plenty of enjoyment for ship watchers in the area.”
The early shipping season is set against the backdrop of increased attention on the port, including the hopeful fruition of plans that date back to 2021 for creating a publicly owned multipurpose port facility on the former Pulliam Power Plant site. The project would not only bolster shipping but also activate the riverfront with housing and amenities, and officials estimate it could have an $87 million economic impact.
But the project is involved and expensive, including the relocation of the C. Reiss Coal Co. yard. In February the port applied for a $25 million RAISE grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation; Haen said these grant funds are needed in order for construction to begin in 2025. The port has already secured about $30.8 million in funding, including from the American Rescue Plan Act, federal Port Infrastructure Development Program, WisDOT Harbor Assistance and others.
Speaking at the 2024 Port of Green Bay Symposium April 17, Brown County Harbor Commission President Tom Klimek reported a 3% increase in metric tons shipped from the Port of Green Bay between 2022 and 2023, as well as an 8% year-over-year increase in vessels for a total economic impact of $217.3 million. Senior presidential advisor Tom Perez, director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, toured the development site the following day when state, city, county, port and C. Reiss Coal Co. officials presented a united front in support of action on the port development project. RAISE grant fund awards are expected to be announced this summer.
— Kate Bruns
LTC receives manufacturing ed funds
Nine Wisconsin technical colleges recently received funds from the U.S. Department of Labor to enhance advanced manufacturing education. This includes Lakeshore Technical College, which has been allocated $400,000 to fund the integration of embedded, industry-recognized credentials; develop learning materials; and reduce equity gaps among students in its manufacturing programs. LTC President Paul Carlsen said the funds will help the college meet increased, significant demand from employers. “We understand they need our graduates to be workforce-ready on day one,” Carlsen said.
Nominations open for WMC environmental award
Nominations are due June 10 for Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce’s (WMC) annual Wisconsin Business Friend of the Environment Awards. Last year’s honorees included New North-based manufacturers Outlook Group and Masters Gallery Foods. “So many Wisconsin companies go above and beyond industry standards to champion our environment,” said WMC Senior Director of Environmental & Energy Policy Craig Summerfield. “It’s an honor to highlight their efforts with this awards program.” To learn more about the program or to nominate a company for the Business Friend of the Environment Award, visit wmc.org/bfoe.
All roads lead to Marinette Marine
Last month the city of Marinette received a $631,235 Transportation Economic Assistance grant to support road construction for improved traffic flow around Fincantieri Marinette Marine, which is expanding operations to support its contract to design and build U.S. Navy Constellation-class Frigates. The city will use the grant funding to accommodate additional traffic the company will bring to the facility.
