AMO Currents - More than 100,000 jobs in Great Lakes states tied to U.S.-flag shipping

AMO Currents - Posted: October 25, 2011

More than 100,000 jobs in Great Lakes states tied to U.S.-flag shipping

Cargos carried by U.S.-flagged vessels on the Great Lakes generate more than 103,000 jobs in the United States and more than $20 billion in economic output, according to a comprehensive report on the Great Lakes.

"The value of U.S.-flag Lakes shipping has never before been so well illustrated," said James Weakley, President of Lake Carriers' Association (LCA). "These facts and figures will help us fight for our fair share of federal dredging dollars, a second Poe-sized lock at Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., renewal and expansion of the U.S. Coast Guard's icebreaking fleet, and other needs that will determine if those jobs stay and grow, or whither and go."

The study, "The Economic Impacts of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway System," was commissioned by the Great Lakes community and completed by Martin Associates, an independent firm specializing in transportation.

Indiana, the largest steel-making state, counts the most jobs tied to U.S.-flag shipping: 39,903. More than 23,000 jobs are generated by U.S.-flag cargoes in both Michigan and Ohio. Wisconsin and Illinois industries each support more than 5,000 jobs tied to U.S.-flag shipping.

Weakley pointed out that the study used data collected through the end of 2010, a slow year on the Lakes. "Like the economy in general, U.S.-flag shipping on the Lakes has yet to fully recover from the recession," he said. "In 2010, five of LCA's vessels never sailed and other vessels sailed less than full seasons. Five ships have remained idle this year. When the fleet is back to full strength, the job count and economic benefits will increase noticeably."