The Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor will use an $11.2 million federal grant to upgrade cargo handling capabilities, including a mobile harbor crane.
The grant is part of the Port Infrastructure Development Program administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration. The Burns Harbor port is among 35 projects in 19 states that will receive a piece of the $498 million total funding commitment.
“Indiana is the Crossroads of America, and our ports are a big part of what makes that true,” said Gov. Mike Braun in a press release. “This investment helps Burns Harbor move more goods faster and gives Hoosier farmers and manufacturers a more direct path to customers around the world.”
The Ports of Indiana will match the grant with $2.8 million toward the $14 million Burns Harbor Container Handling Modernization Project.
“This grant is a smart investment in Indiana’s port infrastructure,” said Ports of Indiana Chief Financial Officer Erica Jackson. “Paired with our own funding, it puts existing docks and terminal space to work and creates new revenue to support the port long term.”
The project's goal is to launch international container service at the Great Lakes port.
“Indiana’s location along the Great Lakes gives our state a unique advantage in moving goods and supporting American commerce,” said U.S. Sen. Todd Young in a press release. “Securing the federal investment needed to expand Burns Harbor’s shipping capabilities, create new opportunities for Indiana businesses, and strengthen our state’s role in domestic and international trade has been a priority of mine for years.”
The U.S. Department of Transportation announced the grants Oct. 27. Find a full list of grant recipients here.
