U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) reintroduced legislation that would ensure increased funding for maintenance and operations of federal ports—including Sandusky’s.
The Harbor Maintenance Act would ensure that funds deposited in the Harbor Maintenance Trust Fund go toward maintenance, operations, and construction at federal ports. Sandusky Harbor supports more than 410 jobs and generates an estimated $88 million annually. U.S. Sens. Carl Levin (D-MI) and Johnny Isakson (R-GA) are the lead sponsors.
“ The Sandusky harbor is critical to the commercial and recreational life in northeastern Ohio. With the port and river supporting hundreds of jobs, we cannot afford further delays to harbor maintenance which could slow commerce, stifle economic growth, and cost jobs. ” Brown said. “ The Harbor Maintenance Act would ensure that funds are spent to maintain and dredge Ohio’s 15 harbors each year, so that shipping and other port-related activities can continue without interruption.”
As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Brown has fought to fully fund the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI).
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Press Release, February 7, 2013