Boatnerd News – November 1, 2022

Roger Blough tow arrives in Conneaut

CONNEAUT, OH – The tow of the fire-damaged Roger Blough arrived at Conneaut just after 9 a.m. Tuesday. The trip originated from Sturgeon Bay, WI, and was handled by Ashton Marine’s tugs Meredith Ashton and Candice Elise. Although nothing official has been released, it is expected the Blough will continue in lay up until her final disposition is determined by operator Great Lakes Fleet and owner CN.

Port of Monroe receives $11M in funding from federal government

MONROE, MI – The Port of Monroe has been awarded $11,051,586 through the Port Infrastructure Development Program, a federal grant awarded through the United States Maritime Administration (MARAD).

The award will go toward the port’s Lake Erie Renewable Energy Resilience Project, funding four components: riverfront work, turning basin work, maritime readiness slip construction and shore power infrastructure.

Riverfront work will include replacing the surface of the existing wharf, constructing a second riverfront wharf to be used exclusively for vessel transfer of wind energy cargoes, and reinforcing shoreline stabilization. Turning Basin work will include rehabilitating the concrete dock cap, bollard and fender installation, and replacing roughly 390 feet of failed sheet pile. Small Boat “Maritime Readiness Slip” construction will include demolishing and rehabilitating an existing small boat slip to be used by harbor assist vessels. Shore Power infrastructure will include removing existing overhead lines and providing shore power to the riverfront wharves.

“There are but a few rare moments in the port’s history which can be considered monumental,” said Port of Monroe Director Paul LaMarre III. “This grant award represents the single largest investment in the Port of Monroe’s infrastructure since the organization’s creation in 1932, and will have profound effects on the sustainability and enhancement of our maritime infrastructure, which supports the Port of Monroe’s continued growth as a regional hub for both domestic and international renewable energy cargoes.”

The port’s application for this federal funding was supported by U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, Chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight, and Ports. MARAD is an agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation.

“The Port of Monroe is not only a critical resource for manufacturers in Michigan and across the Great Lakes region, but it also plays a crucial role in ensuring efficient trade and transport of products that families and businesses rely on every day,” Peters said. “I was pleased to support the port’s effort to secure this funding, which will expand cargo capacity, increase economic activity for the region and strengthen supply chains. I’ll keep fighting to make sure the port is treated fairly, has the resources necessary to compete on a level playing field and reaches its full potential.”

“Senator Peters is the Port of Monroe’s champion,” LaMarre added. “His unequivocal support for the Great Lakes maritime industry and Michigan’s role as the ‘Great Lakes State’ is second to none. His support of this grant and our continued efforts is humbly appreciated and will have far-reaching effects on our port’s future.”

The Monroe News

National Museum of the Great Lakes final fall lecture offers a retrospective look at the J.W Westcott company

See the media gallery below for the event flyer