GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Petroleum, steel and grain are just a few of the main exports that ravel by water in Northeast Wisconsin. Its’ why local commerce leaders are fighting for the US Senate to pass the Great Lakes Winter Commerce Act. It’s a rare show of bipartisan support that starts with a conversation abut cereal.
“In the winter of 19 we almost had a Cheerio shortage.” James Weakley says on transporting goods like grain through the Great Lakes.
President of the Lake Carriers’ Association, he’s been advocating for the Great Lakes Winter Commerce Act for years.
The piece of economic legislation made one step closer to becoming law: passing the US House, and heading to the Senate.
“Lets build ice breakers, let’s break ice more efficiently and let’s have northeast Wisconsin thrive economically as a result.” said U.S. Rep. Mike Gallagher (R-WI) at a Friday roundtable.
Adding on to the ten icebreakers listed by the US Coast Guard, the bill would add one additional icebreaker on the Great Lakes, and the $350 million to build it.
But money isn’t the only hold up.
Both Weakley and Gallagher say the US Coast Guard set a ten year timeline for the project.
They argue the work can be done in just three.
Miscommunication with the Coast Guard isn’t a partisan issue either.
When Democratic Senator Tammy Baldwin reintroduced the Act in 2021 this release noted a requirement in the act for the Guard to report to Congress during the ice breaking season.
Baldwin and Gallagher have noted the economic impact that could come to their constituents across the state.
As for Northeast Wisconsin, here’s Dean Haen, director for the Port of Green Bay:
“Our economic impact is about $20 million a month that we’re open. So if we can work in that thin ice two weeks longer in the fall or the winter, or get open two weeks earlier, that’s about a $20 million economic impact to Northeast Wisconsin,” he explained.
The bill isn’t just about money: supporters say this enhances safety on the ice as well.
The legislation would also clarify icebreaking expectations, and update an executive order dating back to the 1930s.
It just has to make it to the Presidents desk first.
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