The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has awarded $7.5 million in Harbor Assistance Program grants to support dredging, dock repairs, and cargo-handling infrastructure projects at ports across the state.
The funding will support work in Green Bay, Manitowoc, Marinette, Milwaukee, and Sturgeon Bay. State officials said the awards are aimed at maintaining navigable depths, improving vessel access, and modernizing port facilities to handle larger vessels and expanded cargo activity.
The largest single grant of $2 million went to City Centre LLC, Manitowoc, Wisc., to construct a crane platform and loadout ramp. The facility will be used for assembling, testing, and transferring cranes built by Konecranes Inc. onto barges for shipment.
In Milwaukee, a $1.4 million award will fund building repairs at Port Milwaukee. The project includes roof, gutter, and exhaust fan repairs at terminal buildings on Jones Island to maintain operational reliability.
At the Port of Green Bay, $1.3 million will support dredging near the mouth of the Lower Fox River as part of a broader redevelopment effort. The larger project includes installing a new dock wall, placing fill, and regrading property for a planned transload facility in partnership with Brown County.
Another $1.3 million was awarded to Burger Boat Company to dredge along an existing dock wall and launch well. The work is intended to increase water depth to support the launch of larger vessels and expand shipyard repair capabilities.
Additional Harbor Assistance Program grants include $882,000 to Marinette Fuel & Dock to dredge a mooring area to match depths in the Menominee River, a project intended to accommodate larger vessels and support expanded cargo activity. In Sturgeon Bay, $411,000 was awarded to Fincantieri Bay Shipbuilding for dock wall repairs and fender system improvements aimed at better protecting vessels during berthing and repair operations. The city of Sturgeon Bay also received $188,000 to rebuild a multi-purpose public, with separate sections designated for commercial and recreational use.
