City of Manitowoc
MANITOWOC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — From massive cranes to mega yachts, two Manitowoc businesses are expanding thanks to Wisconsin’s Harbor Assistance Program.
“We build big things that we can ship around the world,” said Manitowoc Mayor Justin Nickels. “To be able to continue that with our river and our harbor, to have the state recognize that and how that it’s a working harbor and that we can expand upon the industry really is Manitowoc’s bread and butter.”
The state recently announced recipients for more than $7.5 million in Harbor Assistance grants. Nearly half the amount is going to the two projects in Manitowoc.
$2 million will go toward a platform and loadout ramp for assembling, testing, and transferring cranes from Konecranes.
“In theory, they could be working on two, three, or maybe even four cranes at a time,” said Paul Braun, Manitowoc’s city planner.
Konecrane is working on one right now that is to be delivered to the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard – part of a $43.5 million order.
“To be able to keep them on site, to build new ones as they come in and test them really makes sure that we can continue to get these contracts from the federal government for these cranes,” said Nickels.
Nearby, Burger Boat Company is receiving $1.3 million for dredging that will allow larger vessels to launch – like The Burger 180. It’s currently under construction and will be the largest yacht in the company’s more than 160-year history.
“There hasn’t been work done there in a long time,” said Nickels. “This will allow them to get into more commercial work and expand.”
Since the early ’80s, Manitowoc has received more than $31 million in Wisconsin Harbor Assistance grants, according to the city. The money is vital, especially considering the city doesn’t provide funding for the port.
“We don’t have a budget for that, so you can see how important the HAP program is,” said Braun.
City leaders say the money keeps businesses thriving and helps attract new ones.
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