ST. PAUL, Minn. – A proposal for major upgrade of Minnesota ports, including Winona, is in the hands of the state budget-makers. The State Senate Transportation Committee passed the proposal on to the Senate budget committee. The proposal, by Senator Jeremy Miller, R-Winona, earmarks $2.3 million to expand Winona docks and to rehabilitate the levee. The money would be part of the state Port Development Assistance Program. Particulars:
>Duluth: $17.5 million to rehabilitate dilapidated dock wall and to demolish four outdated grain elevators.
> St. Paul: $10 million to improve the harbor for accommodate tourist cruise vessels and to build a new barge loading system.
>Red Wing: $5.1 million to control sediment build-up, to repair bulkheads and buildings. Also to repair and replace dock moorings.
> Winona: $2.3 million to expand docks and rehabilitate the levee.
Verbatim
Miller: “The ports are a critical but sometimes overlooked part of a thriving economy. Especially with global demand for freight expected to triple in the coming years, we need to make sure our ports and waterways are prepared.”