The Michigan Port Collaborative held its Fall Summit on October 26th in Lansing. Nearly 100 people from local communities were joined by state and federal officials to discuss issues involving ports and their host communities in Michigan, including the potential for contributing to Michigan's economic recovery.
Presenters included representatives from the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration to discuss the economic impact of the Great Lakes Marine Highway stretching from the St. Lawrence Seaway westward. A recent report issued by the American Great Lakes Port Association shows that Great Lakes-Seaway shipping in the U.S. and Canada creates 227,000 jobs and produces $33.5 billion in economic activity annually.
Other speakers included Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel discussing his county's efforts at creating a "Blue Economy", and State Senators Tom Casperson and Mike Kowall, respective chairs of the Senate Transportation and Eocnomic Development committee.
Collaborative initiatives include working with the Michigan Congressional Delegation to provide dredging and infrastructure funding for Michigan and Great Lakes ports. This very issue was also mentioned in Governor Snyder's recent transportation message.
Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.
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