The Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor in Portage has been awarded an $11.2 million federal grant to modernize its cargo handling operations, including specialized equipment to support future international container service.
The grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration is part of a $498 million investment announced Tuesday by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to modernize 35 ports in 19 states to strengthen the nation’s supply chains.
Duffy toured the Portage port in June.
Ports of Indiana’s share of the $14 million project is $2.8 million.
The Burns Harbor container handling modernization project will fund a mobile harbor crane, bulk-handling attachments, reach stackers, a top handler, off-road yard trucks and more, the Ports of Indiana said in a news release Tuesday. The mobile crane can switch between bulk grabs, breakbulk lifting gear and container spreaders, allowing the port to handle more steel, bulk materials, construction materials and project cargo as well as future container traffic.
“Indiana is the crossroads of America, and our ports are a big part of what makes that true,” Gov. Mike Braun said in a release. “This investment helps Burns Harbor move more goods faster and gives Hoosier farmers and manufacturers a more direct path to customers around the world.”
“This grant is a smart investment in Indiana’s port infrastructure,” Ports of Indiana Chief Financial Officer Erica Jackson said. “Paired with our own funding, it puts existing docks and terminal space to work and creates new revenue to support the port long-term.”
“Indiana’s location along the Great Lakes gives our state a unique advantage in moving goods and supporting American commerce,” U.S. Sen. Todd Young said in the release. “Securing the federal investment needed to expand Burns Harbor’s shipping capabilities, create new opportunities for Indiana businesses and strengthen our state’s role in domestic and international trade has been a priority of mine for years.”
“Burns Harbor is the beating heart of Indiana’s economy,” U.S. Sen. Jim Banks said. “This is a major grant to support the port’s container handling project and modernize its operations.”
According to the Ports of Indiana website, Burns Harbor’s 10-year average shows annual traffic at 324 barges, 81 ships, 350,000 trucks and 10,000 rail cars. Its economic impact is pegged at $4.63 billion, providing $363 million in local and state tax revenue and supporting 28,400 jobs.
Doug Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.