Harrison Township, MI – U.S. Representative Candice Miller (MI-10) made the following comments on the U.S. Department of Transportation release of the first bi-national economic impact study of the entire Great Lakes shipping industry.

“We in Michigan have always understood the important role that Great Lakes shipping plays in our economy. The release of the first ever economic study makes that fact abundantly clear,” Miller said. “To date, nearly 27,000 jobs and $1.8 billion in personal income are directly tied to our shipping industry along with nearly $4 billion in economic activity. As we work to grow our economy and create jobs it is vital that we fully utilize the natural treasures we have in the Great Lakes and continue to support and enhance our shipping industry.”

Background: The study was a public-private partnership between U.S. and Canadian government agencies and the maritime industry. In 2010 for Michigan, the study found:
In 2010:
•The Great Lakes shipping industry supported 26,800 Michigan jobs.
•61,300 tons of commercial cargo was handled at Michigan ports
•Maritime shipping activity generated $3.8 billion in revenue to Michigan businesses.
•These businesses in turn made $637 million in purchases for goods and services.
•Shipping activity resulted in $1.8 billion in personal income to Michigan residents.
•Maritime activity generated $520 million in federal, state and local taxes.
There are 43 commercial ports in Michigan - more than any other Great Lakes state. These ports facilitate the transportation of major commodities such as iron ore for the region's steel industry, limestone for road construction, salt for winter road maintenance, coal for power generation, and steel products for the region's auto industry.
For more information, the full report can be found here: http://www.marinedelivers.com/

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