Each year, Wisconsin's 15 commercial ports handle more than 44 million tons of international and domestic cargo valued at over $7 billion. Along with agricultural products, these commodities include coal for our power plants, iron ore and wood pulp for our industries, cement for construction, and the salt that helps keep our roadways safe.

In addition, water transportation in Wisconsin fulfills a variety of passenger travel needs including an ever growing cruise ship industry and seven ferries. Along with enhancing the state's tourism industry, ferries can also connect island communities with jobs, schools, hospitals and other destinations.

Harbor Assistance Program

In 1979, Wisconsin's Legislature created the Harbor Assistance Program (HAP) to assist harbor communities along the Great Lakes and Mississippi River in maintaining and improving waterborne commerce. Port projects typically include dock reconstruction, mooring structure replacement, dredging, and the construction of facilities to hold dredged material. Grant applications are accepted on a semi annual basis on August 1 and February 1. There are 23 ports in the state that are potentially eligible for funding through the HAP.

To be eligible for funding:

• The project must benefit facilities that are used for cargo transfer, ship building, commercial fishing or regular ferry service;
• The applicant must be a local unit of government or a private owner of a harbor facility;
• The project must pass a rigorous benefit-cost analysis; and
• The project must have been identified in a current Three-Year Harbor Development Plan.

Source: http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/