http://newiprogressive.com/images/stories/S5/manitowoc-portwisc-s450.jpgHarbor Assistance Program grant will help construct new rail platform extensions enabling Konecranes and Broadwind increase manufacturing of giant cranes.

MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers, together with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), announced on Thursday a $900,000 Harbor Assistance Program grant for improvements at the Port of Manitowoc. The grant will help construct new rail platform extensions at the City Centre LLC property to support the manufacturing, assembly, and shipping of cranes for the U.S. Navy.

“Last year, we were in Manitowoc to celebrate the completion of a massive crane and how the project secured existing jobs, created new ones, and served as a major source of regional economic development,” said Gov. Evers. “Now, with this most recent harbor assistance grant, I’m proud to continue our investments in the Port of Manitowoc, keeping Wisconsin at the forefront as we assist in our nation’s important naval operations and grow our manufacturing success.”

The grant from the Evers Administration will better enable Konecranes and Broadwind Heavy Fabrications to increase manufacturing of enormous cranes for the U.S. Navy at the Port of Manitowoc that will expedite repairs to the submarine fleet. Once manufactured, the cranes must be tested and shipped—fully assembled—to naval ports on the east and west coasts and to Hawaii.

“This Harbor Assistance Program award helps grow industry and create jobs in Wisconsin,” said WisDOT Secretary Craig Thompson. “Through our great partnerships with the city of Manitowoc and local businesses, we continue to work together to streamline and revitalize Manitowoc’s crane building tradition.”

Created in 1979, Wisconsin’s Harbor Assistance Program helps harbor communities maintain and improve waterborne commerce. Applications are reviewed by the Harbor Advisory Council, which includes members from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, University of Wisconsin Sea Grant, Wisconsin Coastal Management Program, Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and alumni from the Great Lakes Maritime Research Institute.

For more information about Wisconsin’s Harbor Assistance program or to review past grant awards, visit: wisconsindot.gov/Pages/doing-bus/local-gov/astnce-pgms/aid/harbor.aspx.