Wisconsin’s $10.8M Harbor Assistance Program Supports Five Key Projects

Wisconsin plays a significant role in maritime commerce, with billions of dollars of cargo passing through its ports annually. Governor Tony Evers highlighted the importance of this initiative:
“As billions of dollars of cargo move through our ports each year, maintaining and improving these critical parts of our state’s infrastructure is exceedingly important to ensuring Wisconsin’s businesses and producers can get products to market.”

The investment aims to boost local economies, facilitate smoother transportation, and ensure the ports remain a critical part of Wisconsin’s supply chain.

Details of the Projects

The $10.8 million investment is allocated to five major harbor projects, each catering to a specific area of need.

Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette
- Grant Amount: $3 million
- Objective: Funding will go toward dredging, dock wall repairs, and installing mooring bollards and fenders.
- Impact: This project will ensure efficient and safe navigation for vessels and support ship deliveries for the U.S. Navy.
Hanke Terminals in La Crosse
- Grant Amount: $2.3 million
- Objective: To construct a commodity storage facility and expand import/export operations along the Mississippi River.
- Impact: Enhanced barge operations will support Midwest transportation services and create economic opportunities in the region.
Port of Green Bay and Fox River Port Development Site
- Grant Amount: $2 million
- Objective: To install a dock wall, dredge the area, fill behind a bulkhead, and regrade land to develop a transload facility.
- Impact: This facility will serve as a multimodal distribution hub, linking vessels, highways, and rail transportation, thereby boosting commerce.
City Centre LLC in Manitowoc
- Grant Amount: $1.8 million
- Objective: Build a load-out pad for assembling, testing, and shipping new portal cranes.
- Impact: The investment will enhance Manitowoc’s role in industrial manufacturing and global crane distribution.
Town of La Pointe Harbor Commission and Madeline Island Ferry
- Grant Amount: $808,000
- Objective: Renovate the ferry landing and dredge harbors to improve transportation of goods and passenger services between Bayfield and Madeline Island.
- Impact: Better ferry services will streamline the movement of people, vehicles, and goods, improving connectivity.

Impact on Wisconsin’s Economy

Transportation Secretary Kristina Boardman underscored the far-reaching benefits of these grants:
“The ripple effects of these grants will be felt statewide as we continue investing to strengthen Wisconsin’s maritime economy.”

The improvements will benefit residents, businesses, and industries across the state by enhancing transportation infrastructure and logistics. This aligns with Wisconsin’s goal to support all modes of transportation for a better quality of life.

About the Harbor Assistance Program

The Harbor Assistance Program, established in 1979, plays a pivotal role in maintaining and improving Wisconsin’s waterborne commerce. This program provides financial support to public and private harbor facilities for projects that:

Enhance cargo transfer capabilities.
Support shipbuilding and commercial fishing.
Improve vessel cruise and ferry services.

Applications are carefully reviewed by the Harbor Advisory Council, a body that includes representatives from state and federal agencies.

Looking Ahead

The next round of Harbor Assistance Program grants is set for August 1, 2025. Communities and organizations interested in applying for funding can find details about the program and past awards on the Wisconsin Department of Transportation’s official website.

With this latest round of funding, Wisconsin reaffirms its commitment to improving maritime infrastructure and supporting economic development through strategic investments.

Disclaimer – Our editorial team has thoroughly fact-checked this article to ensure its accuracy and eliminate any potential misinformation. We are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity in our content.

About The Author

Ethan Harper

Ethan Harper is a versatile content creator with expertise in US News, Local Reporting, Business Trends, Culinary Exploration, Travel Planning, and Financial Analysis. With a reputation for delivering accurate, engaging, and fact-checked articles, he ensures that every piece meets the highest standards of integrity and reliability.

Driven by a passion for storytelling, Ethan believes in creating content that informs and inspires readers to take action. From simplifying complex financial concepts to uncovering hidden travel gems, their work is a reflection of dedication and professionalism.

See author's posts