Wisconsin’s Gov. Tony Evers joined the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) to announce the state had awarded more than $7.5 million in Harbor Assistance Program grants to support the state’s harbors.
The grant program will help with harbor maintenance and construction projects in Green Bay, Manitowoc, Marinette, Milwaukee and Sturgeon Bay. The funding comes from the state’s $30 million allocation in the 2025-2027 biennial budget. An additional $20 million was added to the program to support the completion of the port development project at the Port of Green Bay.
The announcement builds on previous efforts and will help strengthen supply chain reliability, support waterborne freight and help with economic development throughout the state’s coastal communities.
“As a state, we’ve made it a priority to help ensure our Great Lakes ports and harbors have the 21st-century infrastructure needed to support a 21st-century global economy, and we’re continuing that forward momentum with these grants that will benefit several of our coastal communities,” Evers said. “Coastal communities are some of the greatest economic drivers of our state, and these funds will work to ensure these vital communities have the tools and resources they need to thrive.”
Projects included in the awards include $1.3 million for the Port of Green Bay and Brown County to dredge at the mouth of the Lower Fox River to create a new transload facility; $1.3 million for Burger Boat Company in Manitowoc to dredge along the existing dock wall and launch well; and $411,000 for Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding in Sturgeon Bay for dock wall repair and fender systems.
“Maritime, rail, and truck transportation are the backbone of Wisconsin’s supply chain, connecting our manufacturers and farmers to customers across the country and around the world,” WisDOT Secretary Kristina Boardman said. “Every dollar we invest in port infrastructure pays dividends far beyond the harbors—from improved reliability and capacity to lower transportation costs and thriving coastal communities. Those savings ultimately flow through the supply chain and can help hold down prices for Wisconsin residents and businesses, too.”