Port Milwaukee Earns 14th Pacesetter Award for Increased International Cargo in 2020

MILWAUKEE, WI – Port Milwaukee has earned the Robert J. Lewis Pacesetter Award from the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation, an operating administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Deputy Administrator Craig Middlebrook congratulated Port Milwaukee in a video message during the Board of Harbor Commissioners’ August meeting.

The Pacesetter Award recognizes ports in the Great Lakes and along the St. Lawrence Seaway that realize an annual increase in international cargo. This is Port Milwaukee’s 14^th Pacesetter Award.

Port Milwaukee finished 2020 with its highest annual cargo volume in the past seven years, with overall tonnage rising by more than 5%. Included in this is both Wisconsin-grown agricultural products destined for foreign markets and cement for infrastructure and public works projects. With an increase in outbound grain shipments and construction materials, private docks in the Harbor handled nearly 37% more cargo than in 2019. Additional information is available in the Port’s 2020 Annual Report.

“Milwaukee’s maritime connections to the world showed remarkable strength in a year of pandemic challenges. In 2020, businesses in our area relied on the efficient connections the port provides,” said Mayor Tom Barrett. “Port Milwaukee adds value to our economy, offering transportation solutions that reduce the use of fossil fuels.”

“The Pacesetter Award honors growth in international shipments, and sustained growth is our strategic goal every year,” said Milwaukee Port Director Adam Tindall-Schlicht. “During a year of uncertain economic conditions, the Port not only maintained operations without commercial interruption, but enhanced them. This is good news for Milwaukee as we continue recovering from the pandemic, supporting job creation, and building a stronger maritime economy.”

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.