Transportation Secretary Visits Ports Of Indiana-Burns Harbor
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy toured Ports of Indiana’s Burns Harbor facility June 19, discussing recent expansion projects and how investing in infrastructure investment can help restore the nation’s maritime dominance.
“The Great Lakes and inland waterways are vital arteries for America’s freight network—and I saw that firsthand at the Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor,” Duffy said. “Under President Trump, the Great Lakes region is finally getting the support it deserves. I look forward to working alongside our port partners to modernize cargo terminals, create good-paying jobs, and fuel the manufacturers, farmers and small businesses that deliver for the American people.”
Under Duffy’s tenure, the U.S. Marine Highway program has expanded by nearly 900 miles, and nearly $1 billion in port investments has been announced, Ports of Indiana said in a news release.
Located along the south shore of Lake Michigan, Ports of Indiana-Burns Harbor links directly to the inland waterways network in Chicago as well as to the other Great Lakes and ocean shipping via the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway.
“We are grateful for Secretary Duffy’s strong leadership and unwavering support of America’s maritime transportation system, and we are honored to welcome him to Indiana to see firsthand the transformational investments underway across our ports and throughout the Great Lakes region,” said Ports of Indiana CEO Jody Peacock. “Federal transportation grants have served as catalysts for unprecedented growth in Indiana’s three ports – creating jobs, driving investments and strengthening supply chains. We look forward to working with Secretary Duffy to advance America’s Maritime Action Plan and further capitalize on the tremendous economic opportunities offered by the Great Lakes and inland waterways.”
Ports of Indiana operates three ports on the Ohio River and Lake Michigan, in Mount Vernon, Jeffersonville and Burns Harbor, generating $8.7 billion in annual economic impact and supporting 49,000 jobs across the state.
