Governor Gretchen Whitmer Directs $150 Million for Great Lakes Commercial Port Modernization

DETROIT — Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) announced on Monday the distribution of $150 million in state maritime infrastructure matching grants through the Michigan Port Modernization Program to reconstruct commercial deepwater berths, install zero-emission electric ship-to-shore container cranes, and reinforce navigation breakwaters at seven commercial ports across Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Superior.

The investment modernizes Michigan's vital maritime supply chains, which transport iron ore, limestone, agricultural grains, and automotive components across the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway system.

Modernizing the Great Lakes Maritime Supply Chain The $150 million state allocation funds:

• Port of Detroit Intermodal Container Berths: $65 million to construct reinforced steel pile quays and install high-speed electric gantry cranes handling containerized freight.
• Sault Ste. Marie & Lake Superior Breakwaters: $45 million rebuilding storm-damaged breakwaters and navigational lock approaches at Sault Ste. Marie and Marquette.
• Port Huron & Saginaw Cold Storage Terminals: $40 million for refrigerated temperature-controlled agricultural transfer warehouses and shore-power charging plugs for commercial vessels.

"Michigan is defined by our Great Lakes, and our commercial ports are the economic engines that connect our farmers, manufacturers, and workers to global commerce," Governor Gretchen Whitmer said during an announcement at the Port of Detroit. "By investing $150 million to modernize our docks, electrify our cranes, and reinforce our harbors, we are creating thousands of good-paying jobs, taking heavy freight trucks off our highways, and strengthening Michigan's economic competitiveness."

Great Lakes maritime carrier associations, building trades unions, and international logistics executives commended the funding, noting that marine freight transport emits 70% less greenhouse gas per ton-mile than long-haul heavy highway trucking.