Gov. Evers announces $40.5 million in grants for Wisconsin harbor maintenance
MADISON -- Gov. Tony Evers announced Friday, Feb. 28 the dispersion of grants totaling just over $40.5 million for eight harbor maintenance projects around the state. Funding will go toward improving facilities to promote shipbuilding and waterborne freight -- assisting economic development in local communities and statewide.
In a statement, Gov. Evers said:
“Wisconsin has the unique advantage of being surrounded by water on three sides, with a vital commercial port and harbor system. With the 2019-2021 budget we committed to investing in this critical asset. These grants strengthen the link between our transportation infrastructure and the success of three critical state industries: agriculture, manufacturing and shipbuilding. Ultimately, it all results in strong communities.”
Part of the 2020 Harbor Assistance Program, the grants include funding for eight projects -- including Port Milwaukee. Port Milwaukee will receive $200,000 for site preparatory work for the construction of an intermodal container facility on the property. Additionally, Port Milwaukee received $2.9 million for the project from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's Freight Railroad Preservation Program.
U.S. Oil was granted $1.5 million to install a vapor control system, repair and modify story tanks and construct enhanced rail connections at its Port Milwaukee facility. The total cost of the project is estimated at $4.85 million
St. Mary's Cement Inc. will also receive $166,640 in emergency funding to repair a bollard. The company delivers roughly a half-million tons of cement to the Port Milwaukee terminal.
Also receiving funding are: