Development project at Port Milwaukee nears completion

NOW: Development project at Port Milwaukee nears completion

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- A major development project at Port Milwaukee is just months away from completion.

This is the largest one-time investment in Port Milwaukee history since the 1950s and officials say it will bring many benefits to the city, including the creation of new jobs.

"This is presenting an opportunity for us to connect farmers out in the rest of the state with the City of Milwaukee," said Mayor Cavalier Johnson.

Friday, Mayor Johnson toured the development site for the agricultural maritime export facility at Port Milwaukee. Between the federal and state departments of transportation, Port Milwaukee and The DeLong Company, more than $35 million is going into this project.

Officials say this investment will make Milwaukee a major export hub.

"This will connect Wisconsin agricultural products to markets all around the world," said Mayor Johnson.

The facility is located on the west side of Jones Island and will be one of the first on the Great Lakes - St. Lawrence Seaway system to handle agricultural commodities via truck, rail and international vessel.

"We've got 80 percent of the construction done. We have about 20 percent left. We have a receiving building to finish off and electrical work to do," said Bo DeLong, Vice President of Grain Operations at The DeLong Company.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation estimates the project will generate more than $60 million in new statewide revenue annually.

"This is a great example of how government agencies and private industry can get together and do something for the region. It's a good example of Port Milwaukee and how we are a support to businesses not just in Milwaukee but throughout the region," said Jackie Q Carter, interim port director.

The project completion date is estimated for April of this year.

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