$29 Million Harbor Grant to Port of Marinette in Support of Future Ship Building

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 24, 2020

Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov or 608-219-7443

Gov. Evers Announces $29 Million Harbor Grant to Port of Marinette in Support of Future Ship Building

MADISON—Gov. Tony Evers today announced a $29 million Harbor Assistance Program grant for improvements needed at the Port of Marinette to allow for the production of the next generation of navy ships. Fincantieri Marinette Marine, a premiere shipbuilder located at the port, intends to continue a site improvement project. That project includes the construction of a vertical ship lift structure, dock walls and bulkheads and harbor dredging to transition the shipyard to accommodate the construction of larger vessels. “These shipyard improvements ensure that Marinette Marine can continue to compete for U.S. Naval contracts, providing the area with good-paying, family-supporting jobs. Their success is vital to the success of the Marinette community and local economy,” Gov. Evers said.  “The ripple effect of this grant will be felt statewide,” said Craig Thompson, Wisconsin Department of Transportation secretary-designee. “Wisconsin’s ports are major economic hubs generating thousands of jobs.” Jobs at the Marinette Marine shipyard include 1,500 full-time employees and contractors. Another 1000 suppliers and customers, many with offices right at the shipyard, are on site every day. Fincantieri Marinette Marine focuses on naval construction, including combat ships, icebreakers, buoy tenders, and research vessels. It is one of the international shipbuilder’s three US facilities, all of which are located in Wisconsin. The indoor production capacity of the Marinette shipyard is 556,000 square feet, the equivalent of approximately 10 football fields. Created in 1979, WisDOT’s Harbor Assistance Program helps harbor communities maintain and improve waterborne commerce. Applications are reviewed by the Harbor Advisory Council, which includes members from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, UW Sea Grant, Wisconsin Coastal Management Program, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and alumni from the Great Lakes Maritime Research Institute.

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