South Shore Cruise Dock redevelopment set to move forward

The Milwaukee Common Council adopted an amended 2023 City budget on Friday, November 4, and included in the adopted budget is $2 million to complete the funding package to redevelop the South Shore Cruise Dock. 14^th District Alderwoman Marina Dimitrijevic is thrilled this project is set to move forward now that financing is secured.

“Port Milwaukee is truly a gem for our city that provides immense value for both residents and visitors alike,” said Alderwoman Dimitrijevic. “As the Great Lakes cruising industry continues to grow, I couldn’t be more excited that thousands of passengers each year will step off the Viking Octantis and be welcomed to our great city by way of the 14^th District.”

The $2 million provided for the project in the 2023 City budget supplements an additional $4 million in grant funding from the State of Wisconsin, and $1.285 million from Port Milwaukee matching funding, including funds received from the Port’s land sale for the Komatsu headquarters. The South Shore Cruise Dock will serve as the future port-of-call for Seawaymax vessels such as the Viking Octantis.

“Milwaukee is a great destination, filled with attractions and hospitality. People from around the globe are taking notice of our city, and the growing passenger and vessel visit numbers speak for themselves,” said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson. “We worked together to complete the financing package for the redevelopment of South Shore Cruise Dock. This investment is valuable to boosting our city’s recreation and tourism market that will grow our economy in the years ahead.”

“Milwaukee is becoming the turnaround port of choice for international cruise lines operating on the Great Lakes. Now is the time to grow and plan for the future,” said Acting Port Milwaukee Director Jackie Q. Carter. “Port Milwaukee is grateful for the partnership of the Milwaukee Common Council in moving the redevelopment of South Shore Cruise Dock forward. Thanks to this investment and in the coming years, thousands of passengers will travel though South Shore to visit our city, stay in local hotels, dine in our restaurants, and enjoy all the great things Milwaukee offers.”

Final construction design for the South Shore Cruise Dock is currently in progress, with a request for proposal expected to be issued in early 2023, subject to approval by the Board of Harbor Commissioners. It is anticipated that construction will begin in Spring 2023.

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.