Boatnerd News – April 5, 2023

Gov. Whitmer tours Port of Monroe following multimillion grant award

Paul LaMarre couldn’t help himself.

For years, the Port of Monroe director has worked to bring to life his vision of the port as the quintessential maritime gateway to the state of Michigan and has championed the state and federal leaders that have helped push that dream forward.

On Monday, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer visited the Port of Monroe on the heels of another grant approval, and LaMarre took the opportunity to give her a warm greeting.

“I have to give you a hug,” LaMarre said to Whitmer as they toured the port on a bus provided by Lake Erie Transit. “I am so thankful.”

Whitmer came to the Port of Monroe bearing gifts, namely the award of state and federal grants that will help the port become the first in Michigan to build an essential container terminal. That comes on the heels of an over $11 million federal grant awarded to the port last year through the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD).

“Today, we’re celebrating the state of Michigan’s $13 million investment in the Port of Monroe from the bipartisan budget that I signed last year,” Whitmer said. “These funds go toward construction of a cargo scanning facility and fund improvements and programming at the Opportunity Center. This work is critical. A lot of the facilities here were built in the 1930s and have not been significantly upgraded until now.”

The port will receive $5 million from the state for the fiscal year 2023. Last summer, the city of Monroe invested $1.7 million and the port also appropriated funds from the Marine Highway grant program to install a new Manitowoc crawler crane. The port has received a steady stream of city, state and federal funding over the years that has helped build the port into what it is today.

“Now I’m here to put my foot on the accelerator,” Whitmer said. “This is an effort that transcends any one administration. It’s got to be bipartisan because this is about industry, this is about Michigan, this is about our economy, and this is about all the men and women that make Michigan go.”

Whitmer also quoted state Sen. Joe Bellino Jr., R-Monroe, championing his words that “this much-needed funding will help Monroe continue to hire skilled employees while improving and enhancing the port for years to come.”

LaMarre worked for years to get the port to the point where it could handle containerized cargo. In the past, he had secured deals with the Ford Motor Co. and Arauco North America that were struck down by Customs and Border Patrol. Officials from CBP said the port would need proper security screening equipment to handle such cargo.

A study conducted by the University of Michigan found that CBP’s policies had cost the Monroe region substantial revenue and jobs. LaMarre worked with those officials and state and federal politicians to make the port compliant and secure funding to realize his vision.

Monday’s visit from Whitmer marked a significant milestone in that journey.

“There are but few moments in life when you put the finishing touches on one canvas and begin the next masterpiece. This is that moment today,” LaMarre said. “It has taken a decade to get us where we are at. Governor, your presence here is that moment for the Port of Monroe and for the Great Lakes maritime industry. … You are our champion.”

Established in 1932, the Port of Monroe is Michigan’s only port on Lake Erie. The marine terminal provides access to the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Seaway and it serves 17 states. A total of 2,513,890 tons were received at the port’s facilities and docks during in 2022, representing a 10% increase in tonnage compared to the previous season.

Last season, the port partnered with tenant Ventower Industries to create new supply chain opportunities in Monroe. Ventower is the country’s only active wind turbine tower manufacturer at a port. Ventower and the Port of Monroe manufactured and exported 90 wind tower sections last summer to Oswego, New York. Turbine sections have been shipped as far away as South America.

Upgrades will allow both the port and Ventower to reach even further into the global trade market.

In addition to the container terminal and security upgrades, grant funds will help the port rehabilitate both aging infrastructure and the existing riverfront wharf. Also, a new identical wharf will be constructed to help transfer more wind energy components.

“This port is really vital to our state’s economy,” Whitmer said. “The goods that flow here represent some of our most profitable and important industry, like mining and energy, and soon agriculture. The diversified economic activity spurred by this port supports thousands of jobs through its supply chain and drives tens of millions of dollars in commerce. Over the last decade, the port has had the most tonnage growth in the seaway system and has become a national model for revival and sustainability. So we are all invested in this port’s success.”

Monroe News

 

Mark your calendars for Soo Boatnerd Picnic and Freighter-Chasing Cruise

Join us for the Annual Boatnerd Picnic and Freighter-Chasing Cruise on the St. Marys River during the annual Engineers’ Day weekend at Sault Ste. Marie June 29-30. Find details on both events here: https://boatnerd3.jasonbowlerdesign.com/boatnerd-soo-gathering-june-29-30-2023/